31 ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS HAVE ACQUIRED NEW KNOWLEDGE
(Haiti Libre) -
Thanks to the funding of the Government of Canada, through the Working Group for Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START), "Emergency Architects Canada" (CUA), in partnership with "Engineers Without Borders Québec" (ISFQ), offered since March, 13 weeks of training in earthquake engineering, construction project management, quality control of materials, and computer aided design, in favor of 31 engineers and architects, working for the Haitian state. This program that will help over the years, to the strengthening of the Haitian state, and the creation of safe and sustainable public spaces, was given by 8 Canadian and Haitian experts, and is recognized by the Order of Architects of Quebec.
A certificate ceremony, presided by a group of honor, including the Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, His Excellency Henri-Paul Normandin, Mario Andresol, Director General of the PNH, and Haitian and Canadian officials has taken place at the SWAT base of the PNH, and highlighted the professionalism and commitment of these experts towards the improvement of public services. That same day, was inaugurated a project office for these engineers and architects.
The solidarity in the cooperation necessarily falls on the sharing of knowledge and skills as attested by the testimony of Régala Singet, an engineer trained under the project "[...] we retained among our friends protectors, Canada, and particularly the CUA, which has inculcated us with essential concepts in earthquake engineering, and the management of construction projects. On behalf of the Republic of Haiti, on behalf of all engineers and architects here, and on my own behalf, I extend a thank you to the Government of Canada, and to the Canadian people for this great treasure that we the beneficiaries will use, to better serve as part of the reconstruction of our country."
Showing posts with label Articles - Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Articles - Education. Show all posts
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
ARTICLE - D.R. - HAITIANS BARRED FROM SCHOOLS
DOMINICANS WEIGH BLOCKING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
(CNN) - By Diulka Perez
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - A proposed regulation in the Dominican Republic could stop illegal immigrants from studying in the nation's public schools.
Immigration officials say requiring students to have valid identification documents is part of the nation's sovereign right.
But immigrant advocates have criticized the move, which is likely to affect a large number of immigrants from neighboring Haiti.
"We recognize that there is a human drama, a social drama impacting the Dominican Republic in terms of migration that particularly affects the case of our Haitian neighbors. And obviously Dominican society needs to approach it responsibly," said Jose Ricardo Taveras, the Dominican Republic's general director of migration.
After a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti in January 2010, more than 200,000 displaced Haitians crossed the border, according to the International Organization for Migration. Since then, many have returned to Haiti. But historic tensions between the neighboring nations remain.
There are about 54,000 foreign children studying in the country's schools, nearly half of whom are undocumented, according to government estimates.
Children born in the Dominican Republic to illegal immigrant parents are not Dominican citizens, according to the country's constitution.
It was unclear when the proposed regulation, which was included in a draft plan presented to the Dominican Republic's president on Wednesday, would go into effect. The president will have the final say on whether -- and when -- to implement regulations presented by immigration officials.
The proposed measures also would require residency permits for foreigners and impose fines on businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Dominican Republic Education Secretary Josefina Pimentel said foreign students still have access to public education, and that officials have been working to help immigrant students obtain the necessary documentation.
But immigrant advocacy organizations have said the government should reconsider its approach.
"We need to design a migration policy that conforms with the rule of law and conforms with the focus on human rights, which is what we are proposing," said Roque Feliz, deputy director of Centro Bono, a Jesuit nonprofit.
In a statement Wednesday, the organization criticized immigration officials.
"We are aware that modern states are sovereign and define their migration policies, but ... no law nor any regulation can infringe on rights guaranteed in the constitution," the statement said.
Taveras has defended the new measures, saying authorities are not violating human rights or aiming to deprive children of education.
"To enroll a Dominican child in a school, it is necessary to present a birth certificate, so it is the same for foreigners. We are not trying to violate, but rather regulate," he told CNN affiliate Telesistema.
Dominican authorities have historically shied away from enforcing immigration laws, he said, noting that the country's immigration problems have long been complex and controversial. In recent years, immigration from Haiti has remained high, he told Telesistema, because the international community has not done enough to help Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
The Dominican Republic was the first country to give aid to Haiti in the earthquake's aftermath, sending food, medicine and rescue crews.
But historically, a much wider gap in relations has existed between Haiti and the Dominican Republic since colonial times.
Dominicans recall how they were under Haitian rule for a period in the mid-1800s, and how they repeatedly fought Haitian aggressions. Today, Haitians provide cheap labor in the Dominican Republic, a trend that has caused resentment on both sides, not unlike the illegal immigration debate in the United States.
The Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti in 1844, after Haiti occupied it. By the early 20th century, Haitians had become a source of cheap labor in the neighboring country.
Racism and security concerns resulted in a massacre in 1937, when Dominican leader Rafael Trujillo ordered the execution of Haitians living near the border between the countries, resulting in the killing of 20,000 to 30,000 Haitians, historians say.
Taveras told Telesistema it was time for his country to do more to enforce immigration laws.
"We have to push this," he said.
CNN's Mariano Castillo and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - A proposed regulation in the Dominican Republic could stop illegal immigrants from studying in the nation's public schools.
Immigration officials say requiring students to have valid identification documents is part of the nation's sovereign right.
But immigrant advocates have criticized the move, which is likely to affect a large number of immigrants from neighboring Haiti.
"We recognize that there is a human drama, a social drama impacting the Dominican Republic in terms of migration that particularly affects the case of our Haitian neighbors. And obviously Dominican society needs to approach it responsibly," said Jose Ricardo Taveras, the Dominican Republic's general director of migration.
After a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti in January 2010, more than 200,000 displaced Haitians crossed the border, according to the International Organization for Migration. Since then, many have returned to Haiti. But historic tensions between the neighboring nations remain.
There are about 54,000 foreign children studying in the country's schools, nearly half of whom are undocumented, according to government estimates.
Children born in the Dominican Republic to illegal immigrant parents are not Dominican citizens, according to the country's constitution.
It was unclear when the proposed regulation, which was included in a draft plan presented to the Dominican Republic's president on Wednesday, would go into effect. The president will have the final say on whether -- and when -- to implement regulations presented by immigration officials.
The proposed measures also would require residency permits for foreigners and impose fines on businesses that hire illegal immigrants.
Dominican Republic Education Secretary Josefina Pimentel said foreign students still have access to public education, and that officials have been working to help immigrant students obtain the necessary documentation.
But immigrant advocacy organizations have said the government should reconsider its approach.
"We need to design a migration policy that conforms with the rule of law and conforms with the focus on human rights, which is what we are proposing," said Roque Feliz, deputy director of Centro Bono, a Jesuit nonprofit.
In a statement Wednesday, the organization criticized immigration officials.
"We are aware that modern states are sovereign and define their migration policies, but ... no law nor any regulation can infringe on rights guaranteed in the constitution," the statement said.
Taveras has defended the new measures, saying authorities are not violating human rights or aiming to deprive children of education.
"To enroll a Dominican child in a school, it is necessary to present a birth certificate, so it is the same for foreigners. We are not trying to violate, but rather regulate," he told CNN affiliate Telesistema.
Dominican authorities have historically shied away from enforcing immigration laws, he said, noting that the country's immigration problems have long been complex and controversial. In recent years, immigration from Haiti has remained high, he told Telesistema, because the international community has not done enough to help Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
The Dominican Republic was the first country to give aid to Haiti in the earthquake's aftermath, sending food, medicine and rescue crews.
But historically, a much wider gap in relations has existed between Haiti and the Dominican Republic since colonial times.
Dominicans recall how they were under Haitian rule for a period in the mid-1800s, and how they repeatedly fought Haitian aggressions. Today, Haitians provide cheap labor in the Dominican Republic, a trend that has caused resentment on both sides, not unlike the illegal immigration debate in the United States.
The Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti in 1844, after Haiti occupied it. By the early 20th century, Haitians had become a source of cheap labor in the neighboring country.
Racism and security concerns resulted in a massacre in 1937, when Dominican leader Rafael Trujillo ordered the execution of Haitians living near the border between the countries, resulting in the killing of 20,000 to 30,000 Haitians, historians say.
Taveras told Telesistema it was time for his country to do more to enforce immigration laws.
"We have to push this," he said.
CNN's Mariano Castillo and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report.
Friday, June 8, 2012
ARTICLE - CLAC AND LIBRAIRIES - CULTURE
CLAC AND LIBRARIES A PRIORITY OF THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE
(Haiti Libre) -
Mario Dupuy, the Ministry of Culture, launched this week, the complete rehabilitation project and the upgrading of 5 Centers for reading and cultural activities (CLAC) destroyed or damaged 12 January 2010 [Limonade, Grande Rivière du Nord, St Michel de l’Attalaye, Trou du Nord and Marchand Dessalines (departments of the North, Artibonite and North-East)]. This project estimated at more than 600,000 euros is supported by the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF) [350,000 EUR], which ensures the field monitoring, the Fondation de France [250,000 euros] and the resources of the Ministry of Culture.
Composed of a library and an animation room, these centers are part of a network set up by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), and play an important role in local cultural life, and the education of the youth in Haiti. The CLAC is managed by the National Library Directorate (DNL) under the Ministry of Culture. There are currently 9 CLACs operating across the country, a network that should be raised to 40 CLACs by 2014.
Chantale Moréno, representative of the OIF in Haiti declared, "the CLAC are for the OIF, a way to improve the quality of education throughout the Francophone world, and I hope that this pilot project, will be exemplary, and that it will allow us to find a working method that we will be able to reproduce in the achievement of these 40 CLACs and perhaps go further, according to the wishes of the government authorities..."
The Minister of Culture, who specified that a tender had been launched for the realization of these works, which will last 11 months, promised the financial support of his Ministry for the extension, not only of these centers, but also of Municipal libraries "...we will do our best, commit all our resources, our energy and our availability so that by the end of the mandate of the President of the Republic, the country, if not in its entirety, at least in a majority of our municipalities; that CLACs will be almost everywhere in the country and are available to offer equal opportunities to our children, and our youth..."
The expected results by January 30, 2013, for this first phase, aim at 46,000 users, of which 70% are young people, as well as schools and associations gaining access to the CLAC, and benefit from enhanced services.
According to Frantz Carlie Jean Baptiste, the head of the DNL, "it is imperative to strengthen the existing cultural infrastructure, while seeking to create new ones, because young people need access to knowledge. They are these young, who tomorrow will take over. We need to offer them a better service at the CLAC level ..."
(Haiti Libre) -
Mario Dupuy, the Ministry of Culture, launched this week, the complete rehabilitation project and the upgrading of 5 Centers for reading and cultural activities (CLAC) destroyed or damaged 12 January 2010 [Limonade, Grande Rivière du Nord, St Michel de l’Attalaye, Trou du Nord and Marchand Dessalines (departments of the North, Artibonite and North-East)]. This project estimated at more than 600,000 euros is supported by the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF) [350,000 EUR], which ensures the field monitoring, the Fondation de France [250,000 euros] and the resources of the Ministry of Culture.
Composed of a library and an animation room, these centers are part of a network set up by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), and play an important role in local cultural life, and the education of the youth in Haiti. The CLAC is managed by the National Library Directorate (DNL) under the Ministry of Culture. There are currently 9 CLACs operating across the country, a network that should be raised to 40 CLACs by 2014.
Chantale Moréno, representative of the OIF in Haiti declared, "the CLAC are for the OIF, a way to improve the quality of education throughout the Francophone world, and I hope that this pilot project, will be exemplary, and that it will allow us to find a working method that we will be able to reproduce in the achievement of these 40 CLACs and perhaps go further, according to the wishes of the government authorities..."
The Minister of Culture, who specified that a tender had been launched for the realization of these works, which will last 11 months, promised the financial support of his Ministry for the extension, not only of these centers, but also of Municipal libraries "...we will do our best, commit all our resources, our energy and our availability so that by the end of the mandate of the President of the Republic, the country, if not in its entirety, at least in a majority of our municipalities; that CLACs will be almost everywhere in the country and are available to offer equal opportunities to our children, and our youth..."
The expected results by January 30, 2013, for this first phase, aim at 46,000 users, of which 70% are young people, as well as schools and associations gaining access to the CLAC, and benefit from enhanced services.
According to Frantz Carlie Jean Baptiste, the head of the DNL, "it is imperative to strengthen the existing cultural infrastructure, while seeking to create new ones, because young people need access to knowledge. They are these young, who tomorrow will take over. We need to offer them a better service at the CLAC level ..."
Monday, June 4, 2012
ARTICLE - 120 NEW GRADUATES IN GONAIVES
120 YOUNG NEW GRADUATES IN GONAIVES
(Haiti Libre) -
Friday, May 25, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, proceeded to the graduation of 120 students, who received vocational training funded by the Community Violence Reduction Section (CVR) of the Minustah to the tune of about 200,000 U.S. dollars.
In his speech for the occasion, Mariano Fernandez stressed, "Although they account for almost half of the population, many young people do not have access to vocational training for economic reasons [...] Left to their own they are vulnerable," recalling that the training, initiated for youth living in vulnerable neighborhoods and displaced persons after January 12, 2010, is designed to offer recipients the opportunity to learn a trade, and thus participate in the life of their community.
120 young people including 33 young women (of which one is in auto mechanics and 5 in plumbing), come from vulnerable neighborhoods of Gonaïves and its surroundings, such Raboteau, Décahos/Trou Sable, Praville et K-Soleil. During 24 weeks they received theoretical and practical courses in six disciplines: auto mechanics, building electricity, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and home economics. They were instructed at the Complexe de Formation Professionnelle de Poteau (COFOPROP), an implementing partner of the project. In addition to these technical disciplines, young people have acquired some knowledge on development and self-perception, civic education, entrepreneurship and management, leadership and conflict resolution.
The Special Representative sent a message of encouragement with these words: "You are the symbol of hope, the future of Haiti. Indeed without you, there is no future. Rest assured, the Minustah will continue to support you."
Nahomme Dorvil, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Artibonite and sponsor of the promotion, welcomed their professional commitments. "By choosing vocational training, you said no to violence."
Now, armed with their diplomas and work kits offered by the RVC section, these young people of the promotion "Espoir" (Hope), are willing to engage in the job search. Some have even begun to improve their knowledge, by joining seniors.
(Haiti Libre) -
Friday, May 25, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mariano Fernández Amunátegui, proceeded to the graduation of 120 students, who received vocational training funded by the Community Violence Reduction Section (CVR) of the Minustah to the tune of about 200,000 U.S. dollars.
In his speech for the occasion, Mariano Fernandez stressed, "Although they account for almost half of the population, many young people do not have access to vocational training for economic reasons [...] Left to their own they are vulnerable," recalling that the training, initiated for youth living in vulnerable neighborhoods and displaced persons after January 12, 2010, is designed to offer recipients the opportunity to learn a trade, and thus participate in the life of their community.
120 young people including 33 young women (of which one is in auto mechanics and 5 in plumbing), come from vulnerable neighborhoods of Gonaïves and its surroundings, such Raboteau, Décahos/Trou Sable, Praville et K-Soleil. During 24 weeks they received theoretical and practical courses in six disciplines: auto mechanics, building electricity, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and home economics. They were instructed at the Complexe de Formation Professionnelle de Poteau (COFOPROP), an implementing partner of the project. In addition to these technical disciplines, young people have acquired some knowledge on development and self-perception, civic education, entrepreneurship and management, leadership and conflict resolution.
The Special Representative sent a message of encouragement with these words: "You are the symbol of hope, the future of Haiti. Indeed without you, there is no future. Rest assured, the Minustah will continue to support you."
Nahomme Dorvil, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Artibonite and sponsor of the promotion, welcomed their professional commitments. "By choosing vocational training, you said no to violence."
Now, armed with their diplomas and work kits offered by the RVC section, these young people of the promotion "Espoir" (Hope), are willing to engage in the job search. Some have even begun to improve their knowledge, by joining seniors.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
ARTICLE - LAUNCHING OF SUMMER UNIVERSITY
LAUNCHING OF THE SUMMER UNIVERSITY IN COMMUNITY NUTRITION
(Haiti Libre) -
Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa and UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, launched Monday in Port-au-Prince, the Summer University in community nutrition, agriculture and public health, through a partnership between the State University of Haiti (UEH), University of Ottawa and Laval University.
The intensive training of two weeks [May 28 to June 8] is intended not only for the student body and teaching staff of the State University of Haiti, Quisqueya University, University of Notre Dame d'Haiti and the Episcopal University, but also for professionals from the Ministry of Public Health and Population, and Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources and Rural Development. Workers of NGOs working in the field of nutrition have also been invited to take part in this Summer University. This Summer University, was designed to reinforce the acquisition of knowledge in nutritional science, and support the education provided in Haitian universities.
One hundred university students in end-of-medicine and agronomy, will attend the first summer university in community nutrition and agriculture of public health.
Ms. Michaëlle Jean declared "...this is a very important partnership which will last in the long term to train students, and actors on the issue of nutrition, working within the Haitian non-governmental organizations, and to build capacity also of Haitian ministries, like the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education; so that transversely, we can really come up with a national strategy on the issue of malnutrition [...]
We have in Haiti a wealth in the level of products with high content of vitamins, of natural products. It is important that we can provide the means to the rural communities so that they can produce these foods, which are essential to the good public health in this country [...]"
(Haiti Libre) -
Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor of the University of Ottawa and UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, launched Monday in Port-au-Prince, the Summer University in community nutrition, agriculture and public health, through a partnership between the State University of Haiti (UEH), University of Ottawa and Laval University.
The intensive training of two weeks [May 28 to June 8] is intended not only for the student body and teaching staff of the State University of Haiti, Quisqueya University, University of Notre Dame d'Haiti and the Episcopal University, but also for professionals from the Ministry of Public Health and Population, and Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources and Rural Development. Workers of NGOs working in the field of nutrition have also been invited to take part in this Summer University. This Summer University, was designed to reinforce the acquisition of knowledge in nutritional science, and support the education provided in Haitian universities.
One hundred university students in end-of-medicine and agronomy, will attend the first summer university in community nutrition and agriculture of public health.
Ms. Michaëlle Jean declared "...this is a very important partnership which will last in the long term to train students, and actors on the issue of nutrition, working within the Haitian non-governmental organizations, and to build capacity also of Haitian ministries, like the Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education; so that transversely, we can really come up with a national strategy on the issue of malnutrition [...]
We have in Haiti a wealth in the level of products with high content of vitamins, of natural products. It is important that we can provide the means to the rural communities so that they can produce these foods, which are essential to the good public health in this country [...]"
ARTICLE - LAMOTHE MEETS MICHAELLE JEAN
LAURENT LAMOTHE MET MICHAELLE JEAN
(Haiti Libre) -
Wednesday, at the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe met Michaëlle Jean, the UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti. On the agenda, among other things, was the new Campus of Limonade and the role of Ms. Jean as Special Counsel in this case. A warm and friendly meeting, described as "very, very, very successful" by Ms. Jean.
The Prime Minister in welcoming Ms. Jean declared, "This is a great honor to welcome the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean to the Primature today, who comes as a friend of Haiti, to help the Haitian people; who helps Haiti in all areas, especially in the field of education with the University of Limonade [...] We thank her from the depths of our heart for everything she does [...] I want to thank you for all your efforts, energy and perseverance, and also to tell you that now, we have a government that works in the interest of the population [...], who has the welfare of Haiti in its' heart.
You're welcome here all the time, you are at home in the Primature, in the Presidency and everywhere [...] I know you are at home, but I want that you feel even more so in an official way. On behalf of the Haitian people, I thank you for all the efforts made, and perhaps you could talk a little about the mission, and especially the University of Limonade, which we managed to do together and where we are going."
Michaëlle Jean: "Okay, first thank you very much to the Prime Minister of Haiti, of the Republic of Haiti, for welcoming me so warmly. I think that we just left a meeting and a work session that was very, very, very successful. We were able to return to files and projects on which we are working together and which are important in the country's recovery strategy; among others, on the issue of education. It is very clear, as UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, that it is a field of competence of UNESCO. We work very long on the Haiti operational plan for restructuring the education system, for higher education in Haiti; and a very important objective, is that in the fall, no later than October, hopefully, the new Campus of Limonade will really be open, that students will be greeted with well-defined programs, with a vocation, and with teachers also ready to go to work.
What's great is that the State University with the Haitian government, have really came to a well defined structure, on the management of the University, and I agreed to play a supporting role in this regard, by working within a consulting body, to accompany all the thinking and all the work, for the imminent opening of this Campus. That is to say, I do not work at the level of the administration, of the management of the University, but the level of a council of instance, to bring my backing, my support, bringing partners and work as Special Adviser on the issue. It's great, because everyone speaks, and it will happen, it will be done and we are very, very happy."
(Haiti Libre) -
Wednesday, at the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister, Laurent Lamothe met Michaëlle Jean, the UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti. On the agenda, among other things, was the new Campus of Limonade and the role of Ms. Jean as Special Counsel in this case. A warm and friendly meeting, described as "very, very, very successful" by Ms. Jean.
The Prime Minister in welcoming Ms. Jean declared, "This is a great honor to welcome the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean to the Primature today, who comes as a friend of Haiti, to help the Haitian people; who helps Haiti in all areas, especially in the field of education with the University of Limonade [...] We thank her from the depths of our heart for everything she does [...] I want to thank you for all your efforts, energy and perseverance, and also to tell you that now, we have a government that works in the interest of the population [...], who has the welfare of Haiti in its' heart.
You're welcome here all the time, you are at home in the Primature, in the Presidency and everywhere [...] I know you are at home, but I want that you feel even more so in an official way. On behalf of the Haitian people, I thank you for all the efforts made, and perhaps you could talk a little about the mission, and especially the University of Limonade, which we managed to do together and where we are going."
Michaëlle Jean: "Okay, first thank you very much to the Prime Minister of Haiti, of the Republic of Haiti, for welcoming me so warmly. I think that we just left a meeting and a work session that was very, very, very successful. We were able to return to files and projects on which we are working together and which are important in the country's recovery strategy; among others, on the issue of education. It is very clear, as UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, that it is a field of competence of UNESCO. We work very long on the Haiti operational plan for restructuring the education system, for higher education in Haiti; and a very important objective, is that in the fall, no later than October, hopefully, the new Campus of Limonade will really be open, that students will be greeted with well-defined programs, with a vocation, and with teachers also ready to go to work.
What's great is that the State University with the Haitian government, have really came to a well defined structure, on the management of the University, and I agreed to play a supporting role in this regard, by working within a consulting body, to accompany all the thinking and all the work, for the imminent opening of this Campus. That is to say, I do not work at the level of the administration, of the management of the University, but the level of a council of instance, to bring my backing, my support, bringing partners and work as Special Adviser on the issue. It's great, because everyone speaks, and it will happen, it will be done and we are very, very happy."
Monday, May 7, 2012
ARTICLE - BRINGING STUDENTS TO SASKATCHEWAN
PROGRAM BRINGING YOUNG HAITIAN STUDENTS TO SASKATCHEWAN
(Regina Leader Post) - By Tonaya Marr
Two years after an earthquake devastated their country, five Haitian students are getting the chance to make a change - beginning with their education.
The students will be given the chance to learn away from home, at Ecole Secondaire College Mathieu in Gravelbourg.
Part of a program called "Project Haiti," the students will be moving to Gravelbourg for the opportunity to finish high school. Project Haiti is a partnership between College Mathieu and Western Canada Relief for Haiti.
The project is meant to create some of the future leaders of Haiti through high school education.
The students will be taking an alternative curriculum that focuses heavily on leadership skills, along with typical high school courses.
After graduation, organizers hope the students will either return to Haiti to help rebuild the devastated nation, or pursue further education.
"My personal dream is that those kids will realize that they can go back and educate their brothers and sisters," said Frankie LeClare, superintendent of education for the Conseil des Ecoles Fransaskoises. "So they can contribute in terms of education, health in the country or infrastructure."
The organizations sent a group to La Petite Savanne, a community adopted by Western Canada Relief for Haiti, in March. The group met with 20 students nominated by community leaders and elders to take part in the program. From this group, five students between the ages of 16 and 18 were chosen to live and study in Gravelbourg, while earning their high school diplomas,
"We had to go (by) their age, their level of maturity - those were the first two criteria," said LeClare. Students were also evaluated on their verbal and oral French skills, and the likelihood that they would be able to remain in Canada for the duration of study.
"You have to remember that these individuals have nothing," said Roland Lafrance, chairperson of Western Canada Relief for Haiti. "All they have is the ability, we feel, because we had a team go down and assess them. They have the ability, according to our team, to be successful."
Gravelbourg and College Mathieu were natural choices for the project, as the high school is French-speaking and has dormitories available for the foreign students.
"I personally think it's wonderful," said Nicolas Couture, a Grade 12 student at College Mathieu.
"It's a great way to advertise our school and to participate in the reconstruction of Haiti."
It will cost $26,500 per year to keep each student at the school. However, volunteers believe getting the students into the country will be easier than it sounds.
Both organizations are seeking donations from individuals, organizations and companies.
The five students will require air transport, clothing, insurance and lodging, as well as other expenses, during their time in Canada.
Already, the project has raised around $8,000 for their cause.
Being able to introduce the students to the school, community and Canadian weather in September would be ideal, but in order to make that happen, funding would need to be secured soon.
LeClare plans to see the program continue and evolve over the next five years, hopefully resulting in partnerships with post-secondary institutions.
"It's a long-term goal for us, but really and truly, when you think about it in terms of Haiti, it's a short-term goal."
(Regina Leader Post) - By Tonaya Marr
Two years after an earthquake devastated their country, five Haitian students are getting the chance to make a change - beginning with their education.
The students will be given the chance to learn away from home, at Ecole Secondaire College Mathieu in Gravelbourg.
Part of a program called "Project Haiti," the students will be moving to Gravelbourg for the opportunity to finish high school. Project Haiti is a partnership between College Mathieu and Western Canada Relief for Haiti.
The project is meant to create some of the future leaders of Haiti through high school education.
The students will be taking an alternative curriculum that focuses heavily on leadership skills, along with typical high school courses.
After graduation, organizers hope the students will either return to Haiti to help rebuild the devastated nation, or pursue further education.
"My personal dream is that those kids will realize that they can go back and educate their brothers and sisters," said Frankie LeClare, superintendent of education for the Conseil des Ecoles Fransaskoises. "So they can contribute in terms of education, health in the country or infrastructure."
The organizations sent a group to La Petite Savanne, a community adopted by Western Canada Relief for Haiti, in March. The group met with 20 students nominated by community leaders and elders to take part in the program. From this group, five students between the ages of 16 and 18 were chosen to live and study in Gravelbourg, while earning their high school diplomas,
"We had to go (by) their age, their level of maturity - those were the first two criteria," said LeClare. Students were also evaluated on their verbal and oral French skills, and the likelihood that they would be able to remain in Canada for the duration of study.
"You have to remember that these individuals have nothing," said Roland Lafrance, chairperson of Western Canada Relief for Haiti. "All they have is the ability, we feel, because we had a team go down and assess them. They have the ability, according to our team, to be successful."
Gravelbourg and College Mathieu were natural choices for the project, as the high school is French-speaking and has dormitories available for the foreign students.
"I personally think it's wonderful," said Nicolas Couture, a Grade 12 student at College Mathieu.
"It's a great way to advertise our school and to participate in the reconstruction of Haiti."
It will cost $26,500 per year to keep each student at the school. However, volunteers believe getting the students into the country will be easier than it sounds.
Both organizations are seeking donations from individuals, organizations and companies.
The five students will require air transport, clothing, insurance and lodging, as well as other expenses, during their time in Canada.
Already, the project has raised around $8,000 for their cause.
Being able to introduce the students to the school, community and Canadian weather in September would be ideal, but in order to make that happen, funding would need to be secured soon.
LeClare plans to see the program continue and evolve over the next five years, hopefully resulting in partnerships with post-secondary institutions.
"It's a long-term goal for us, but really and truly, when you think about it in terms of Haiti, it's a short-term goal."
ARTICLE - WESLEYAN SCHOOL - PETIT-GOAVE
REOPENING OF THE WESLEYAN SCHOOL BUSINESS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE TO PETIT-GOAVE
(Haiti Libre) -
The Wesleyan Business and Computer Science School [founded in 1996], recognized as one of the best vocational schools in the city of Petit-Goâve, reopened its doors this Saturday, May 5, 2012, during, an official ceremony; in the presence of personalities from civil society and the banking sector.
This school which has already trained some excellent professionals coming from Léogâne, Miragoâne, Grand-Goâve, Papette, Vialet, and Dufort, returns after two years .... thanks to the determination of Ms. Marie Yvanne Bonne-Annee, the wife of Pastor Nathaniel Bonne-Annee, Director of the Wesleyan school.
Equipped with well furnished rooms and equipped with the latest generation computers, latest application software and an experienced teaching staff, the Wesleyan Business and Computer Science School is unique, and aims to train executives in accounting and computer science.
Speaking in his capacity as master of ceremonies, Reverend Pastor Volsaint Francisque declared "[...] As an educational institution, the idea of being strong must be a constant worry for those responsible. The pursuit of excellence must be one of the fundamental values that the Christian as well as a Christian institution must cultivate," asking God to extend the boundaries of the school's financial resources to enable it to acquire more qualified human resources to help managers to achieve their objective: .... excellence... "God willing, may the boundaries of the school's performance extend throughout the department; that the school be considered as the best computer education institution in the region."
Pastor Nathaniel Bonne-Annee, has for his part, emphasized his message on the importance and usefulness of the computer "[...] Some daily activities require the use of a computer: Internet, GPS, internet cafe, home-banking, e-commerce, music, etc... But also, in the management of a company, a hospital for both financial resources, and for human resources... Our society has, and will increasingly need qualified computer scientists... The computer is part of our daily lives."
(Haiti Libre) -
The Wesleyan Business and Computer Science School [founded in 1996], recognized as one of the best vocational schools in the city of Petit-Goâve, reopened its doors this Saturday, May 5, 2012, during, an official ceremony; in the presence of personalities from civil society and the banking sector.
This school which has already trained some excellent professionals coming from Léogâne, Miragoâne, Grand-Goâve, Papette, Vialet, and Dufort, returns after two years .... thanks to the determination of Ms. Marie Yvanne Bonne-Annee, the wife of Pastor Nathaniel Bonne-Annee, Director of the Wesleyan school.
Equipped with well furnished rooms and equipped with the latest generation computers, latest application software and an experienced teaching staff, the Wesleyan Business and Computer Science School is unique, and aims to train executives in accounting and computer science.
Speaking in his capacity as master of ceremonies, Reverend Pastor Volsaint Francisque declared "[...] As an educational institution, the idea of being strong must be a constant worry for those responsible. The pursuit of excellence must be one of the fundamental values that the Christian as well as a Christian institution must cultivate," asking God to extend the boundaries of the school's financial resources to enable it to acquire more qualified human resources to help managers to achieve their objective: .... excellence... "God willing, may the boundaries of the school's performance extend throughout the department; that the school be considered as the best computer education institution in the region."
Pastor Nathaniel Bonne-Annee, has for his part, emphasized his message on the importance and usefulness of the computer "[...] Some daily activities require the use of a computer: Internet, GPS, internet cafe, home-banking, e-commerce, music, etc... But also, in the management of a company, a hospital for both financial resources, and for human resources... Our society has, and will increasingly need qualified computer scientists... The computer is part of our daily lives."
Sunday, April 29, 2012
ARTICLE - LAURENT LAMOTHE - EFACAP
LAURENT LAMOTHE AT THE INAUGURATION OF EFACAP IN CAP HAITIEN
(Haiti Libre) -
Yesterday, the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, represented by Joao Santana, its Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Laurent Lamothe, the Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Reginald Paul, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, inaugurated the Fundamental School of Application - Pedagogical Support Center (EFACAP) of Cap Haitien.
This inauguration is part of the Programme of the European Union of Support to the Strengthening of the Quality of Education (PARQE), funded since 2002 to the tune of 40 million euros, and which has to its credit the construction of 19 EFACAP's, the networking and the rehabilitation of over 440 schools in four departments of Haiti; thus ensuring a quality educational environment for about 120,000 students, who are also equipped with textbooks and school kits.
This support was also provided to over 3,000 teachers who have been equipped with teaching materials, to the pedagogical advisors and principal inspectors of EFACAP in the network, that have benefited from several hundred hours of training, both in the teaching of masters for improving their academic level, and on transversal educational with topics such as: competence approach, differentiated instruction, and educational psychology.
The inauguration of the EFACAP in Cap Haitien demonstrates once again the commitment of the European Union, alongside the Haitian government, with the implementation of a quality education system, .... a part of its' development. The EU will continue to meet its commitments to accompany the Haitian people in their march towards the eradication of poverty, and the achievement of sustainable human, economic and social development.
(Haiti Libre) -
Yesterday, the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, represented by Joao Santana, its Charge d'Affaires, Mr. Laurent Lamothe, the Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Reginald Paul, the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, inaugurated the Fundamental School of Application - Pedagogical Support Center (EFACAP) of Cap Haitien.
This inauguration is part of the Programme of the European Union of Support to the Strengthening of the Quality of Education (PARQE), funded since 2002 to the tune of 40 million euros, and which has to its credit the construction of 19 EFACAP's, the networking and the rehabilitation of over 440 schools in four departments of Haiti; thus ensuring a quality educational environment for about 120,000 students, who are also equipped with textbooks and school kits.
This support was also provided to over 3,000 teachers who have been equipped with teaching materials, to the pedagogical advisors and principal inspectors of EFACAP in the network, that have benefited from several hundred hours of training, both in the teaching of masters for improving their academic level, and on transversal educational with topics such as: competence approach, differentiated instruction, and educational psychology.
The inauguration of the EFACAP in Cap Haitien demonstrates once again the commitment of the European Union, alongside the Haitian government, with the implementation of a quality education system, .... a part of its' development. The EU will continue to meet its commitments to accompany the Haitian people in their march towards the eradication of poverty, and the achievement of sustainable human, economic and social development.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
ARTICLE - LAMOTHE AT INAGHEI
LAURENT LAMOTHE AT INAGHEI
(Haiti Libre) -
Friday, Laurent Lamothe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Prime Minister-designate delivered a speech to the National Institute of Administration, Management and International Studies (INAGHEI) on the occasion of the launch of acompetition to recruit 10 trainees from different academic backgrounds, for the renewal of public service executives.
Speech by Laurent Lamothe :
"...Mr Representative of the Director of the institution,
Distinguished heads of departments,
Dear teachers,
Dear students,
It is great pleasure to find myself once again at INAGHEI, this home of higher education, which since its inception in the 70's provides government and private enterprises with executives, whose competence can be measured by the scale of problems solved and the quality of service be provided.
Despite the difficulties of all kinds faced by students and teachers, the major concern of the Government of the Republic is to address, as much as possible, the human resources produced by the State University of Haiti and, as I had promised during my previous visit to INAGHEI, I solemnly launch today, the competition to help recruit 10 trainees from different academic backgrounds. This is a selective search of young hopefuls who, under the leadership of their elders, will certainly participate in the renewal of public service executives.
Dear students,
The launching ceremony testifies without context, the trust placed by the Government in the youth animated by the natural desire to assert themselves into society, and whose patience and the most generous and ambitious dreams, are put to severe tests.
Our willingness to engage with them, in all serenity, in a frank and constructive dialogue, will eliminate the traditional barriers to the national office, maintained by selfishness and mistrust; of course outside of deep structural problems in which the Haitian society suffers.
Dear teachers,
The university, as elsewhere, must play its role, by providing to the Haitian society, the potential solutions to economic and structural problems, to which it faces, and to participate in its full development. It must work with government, because ultimately, the happiness of Haiti concerns all of us.
Thank you for your attention and good luck."
(Haiti Libre) -
Friday, Laurent Lamothe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Prime Minister-designate delivered a speech to the National Institute of Administration, Management and International Studies (INAGHEI) on the occasion of the launch of acompetition to recruit 10 trainees from different academic backgrounds, for the renewal of public service executives.
Speech by Laurent Lamothe :
"...Mr Representative of the Director of the institution,
Distinguished heads of departments,
Dear teachers,
Dear students,
It is great pleasure to find myself once again at INAGHEI, this home of higher education, which since its inception in the 70's provides government and private enterprises with executives, whose competence can be measured by the scale of problems solved and the quality of service be provided.
Despite the difficulties of all kinds faced by students and teachers, the major concern of the Government of the Republic is to address, as much as possible, the human resources produced by the State University of Haiti and, as I had promised during my previous visit to INAGHEI, I solemnly launch today, the competition to help recruit 10 trainees from different academic backgrounds. This is a selective search of young hopefuls who, under the leadership of their elders, will certainly participate in the renewal of public service executives.
Dear students,
The launching ceremony testifies without context, the trust placed by the Government in the youth animated by the natural desire to assert themselves into society, and whose patience and the most generous and ambitious dreams, are put to severe tests.
Our willingness to engage with them, in all serenity, in a frank and constructive dialogue, will eliminate the traditional barriers to the national office, maintained by selfishness and mistrust; of course outside of deep structural problems in which the Haitian society suffers.
Dear teachers,
The university, as elsewhere, must play its role, by providing to the Haitian society, the potential solutions to economic and structural problems, to which it faces, and to participate in its full development. It must work with government, because ultimately, the happiness of Haiti concerns all of us.
Thank you for your attention and good luck."
Friday, April 20, 2012
ARTICLE - HAITIAN STUDENTS IN SENEGAL
SENEGAL: HAITIAN STUDENTS BATTLE CAMPUS BLUES
(Africe Review) - By Tamba Jean-Matthew
In October 2010, some 163 Haitian students touched down in Dakar aboard a Senegalese-government chartered flight to much fanfare. Nine months earlier, their country had been devastated by a terrible earthquake that killed over 300,000 and decimated learning institutions.
....Students and professors around the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince were reported dead in its immediate aftermath and was one of the horror stories, as whole schools were wiped out.
In a gesture of brotherhood with Haiti, the first black republic, then Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade even offered land for Haitians to resettle, and stumped up $1 million in aid, shortly after signing a memorandum of cooperation with the devastated country.
Eighteen months later, most of the students would be forgiven for being seriously pining for home.
Many are looking to new President Macky Sall to intervene, in what they say is a dire situation. Among the difficulties they have had to grapple with are culture shock, hostility from Senegalese students, and being broke.
Xenophobia
The main campus of the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar has been the setting. "In the beginning we thought the others would not keep their distance since at the time of our arrival some of the students were on vacation," a female Haitian student told the Africa Review on condition of anonymity.
"But not until the vacation was over and everyone back on campus did we begin to experience the very antagonistic and xenophobic nature of our colleagues," she said.
Part of the rancour was that university authorities had earmarked the 'Pavilion C' building for the Haitian students, but the occupants had not been adequately prepared in time to vacate.
Several strikes were planned with some carried through as the local students resisted attempts to dislodge them from the building. The two groups of students were finally constrained to settle and live together.
Female students grappled with the same resistance but had markedly less confrontations and friction with their colleagues at the university's Aline Sitoe Diatta hostels.
"We are really the ones to take the initiative to integrate, but they (Senegalese) should extend a hand to us as well," a local newspaper quoted a female Haitian student as saying.
Unfriendly diet
Senegalese gastronomy was not friendly either. One of Senegal's main exports is fish, and so rice and fish, or "Thiepe diene" is the country's national dish, regularly eaten with grounded sour leaves and lime, as well as spices.
Diametrically opposed in the two countries menus is pig meat, popular in Haiti, a majority Christian country. The majority of Senegalese are Muslims and abhor even goat meat.
There was also the problem of sanitation, a persistent problem at the university as infrastructure creaks under a runaway student population. In 1990 there were 40,000 students at the institution, by 2011 this had risen to 55,000.
"In the beginning we thought we were just being lodged temporarily at the Cheikh Anta Diop University for onward relocation to a place far better than what we lived during the first month or so," said the Haitian student.
But the main problem has been their welfare.
At arrival, the students were all symbolically taken to Gorée, the slave island near Dakar where their ancestors were finally forced through the little "door of no return" into slavery in the Caribbean Islands and elsewhere.
They were subsequently introduced to the small Haitian community in Senegal and enrolled into different departments at Cheikh Anta Diop and provided with a mobile phone and about $100 worth of air time.
Stipend not enough
They were also provided with the books and stationery needed in the various departments and a badge that allowed them to freely access restaurants at campus, but they had to foot their bills during holidays when the eateries were also closed.
But they quickly found that a monthly stipend of 36,000 cfa francs (about $87) given to them at the beginning of the semester to support them for three months, lasted barely two weeks.
Jamra, a social welfare institution run by Muslims charged with the responsibility of managing their insertion into Senegalese society also discovered this was leading to unexpected outcomes.
Many of the female students were being lured into indecent living, including sexual promiscuity, by "irresponsible men in our society ,including highly placed government officials,” Jamra in a report to President Wade said.
Jamra termed the sum inadequate and recommended its increase and that it be paid to them at the beginning of every month.
"All that could be true, but we would choose to stay and continue our studies if the new regime would come to our aid and try to improve our [living] conditions,” the anonymous female Haitian student said.
(Africe Review) - By Tamba Jean-Matthew
In October 2010, some 163 Haitian students touched down in Dakar aboard a Senegalese-government chartered flight to much fanfare. Nine months earlier, their country had been devastated by a terrible earthquake that killed over 300,000 and decimated learning institutions.
....Students and professors around the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince were reported dead in its immediate aftermath and was one of the horror stories, as whole schools were wiped out.
In a gesture of brotherhood with Haiti, the first black republic, then Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade even offered land for Haitians to resettle, and stumped up $1 million in aid, shortly after signing a memorandum of cooperation with the devastated country.
Eighteen months later, most of the students would be forgiven for being seriously pining for home.
Many are looking to new President Macky Sall to intervene, in what they say is a dire situation. Among the difficulties they have had to grapple with are culture shock, hostility from Senegalese students, and being broke.
Xenophobia
The main campus of the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar has been the setting. "In the beginning we thought the others would not keep their distance since at the time of our arrival some of the students were on vacation," a female Haitian student told the Africa Review on condition of anonymity.
"But not until the vacation was over and everyone back on campus did we begin to experience the very antagonistic and xenophobic nature of our colleagues," she said.
Part of the rancour was that university authorities had earmarked the 'Pavilion C' building for the Haitian students, but the occupants had not been adequately prepared in time to vacate.
Several strikes were planned with some carried through as the local students resisted attempts to dislodge them from the building. The two groups of students were finally constrained to settle and live together.
Female students grappled with the same resistance but had markedly less confrontations and friction with their colleagues at the university's Aline Sitoe Diatta hostels.
"We are really the ones to take the initiative to integrate, but they (Senegalese) should extend a hand to us as well," a local newspaper quoted a female Haitian student as saying.
Unfriendly diet
Senegalese gastronomy was not friendly either. One of Senegal's main exports is fish, and so rice and fish, or "Thiepe diene" is the country's national dish, regularly eaten with grounded sour leaves and lime, as well as spices.
Diametrically opposed in the two countries menus is pig meat, popular in Haiti, a majority Christian country. The majority of Senegalese are Muslims and abhor even goat meat.
There was also the problem of sanitation, a persistent problem at the university as infrastructure creaks under a runaway student population. In 1990 there were 40,000 students at the institution, by 2011 this had risen to 55,000.
"In the beginning we thought we were just being lodged temporarily at the Cheikh Anta Diop University for onward relocation to a place far better than what we lived during the first month or so," said the Haitian student.
But the main problem has been their welfare.
At arrival, the students were all symbolically taken to Gorée, the slave island near Dakar where their ancestors were finally forced through the little "door of no return" into slavery in the Caribbean Islands and elsewhere.
They were subsequently introduced to the small Haitian community in Senegal and enrolled into different departments at Cheikh Anta Diop and provided with a mobile phone and about $100 worth of air time.
Stipend not enough
They were also provided with the books and stationery needed in the various departments and a badge that allowed them to freely access restaurants at campus, but they had to foot their bills during holidays when the eateries were also closed.
But they quickly found that a monthly stipend of 36,000 cfa francs (about $87) given to them at the beginning of the semester to support them for three months, lasted barely two weeks.
Jamra, a social welfare institution run by Muslims charged with the responsibility of managing their insertion into Senegalese society also discovered this was leading to unexpected outcomes.
Many of the female students were being lured into indecent living, including sexual promiscuity, by "irresponsible men in our society ,including highly placed government officials,” Jamra in a report to President Wade said.
Jamra termed the sum inadequate and recommended its increase and that it be paid to them at the beginning of every month.
"All that could be true, but we would choose to stay and continue our studies if the new regime would come to our aid and try to improve our [living] conditions,” the anonymous female Haitian student said.
ARTICLE - LAMOTHE - 1 MILLION CHILDREN
LAURENT LAMOTHE DESIRES THAT ONE MILLION STUDENTS RECEIVE A GOOD MEAL DAILY
(Haiti Libre) -
Under the program against hunger that the President Martelly established, the Prime Minister-designate, Laurent Lamothe, paid a visit Thursday, to evaluate the National School Feeding Programme (PNCS), at the National School of Canada, on Delmas 3. Talking to the students, Laurent Lamothe declared :
"[...] I must tell you, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs that one of the tasks I have set for myself, is to ensure that when I travel outside the country, it is to get solutions, resources, and funding; so that more children can receive food, and that more children can attend school, because today, Haiti is ill and the country needs remedies and solutions [...] As one student told me just now, my dream is that all children will go to school for free [...], and my other dream is that the PNCS program, can increase from 325,000 to one million children, who will be able to benefit from a good meal in good conditions [...]
I have not come here as Prime Minister. You know I'm in the ratification at the Chamber of Deputies [...]; but my role as a Haitian, and as a patriot, is to come and listen, to see what are the problems, and if tomorrow, the House ratifies me, I would have already identified the problems, and come with solutions [...] It is necessary that the problems become solutions; this is why we will work hard with the Director, and the coordinator of the PNCS and with the Minister of National Education, in order to bring more children to school for free, to feed more children [...]
It is important that the authorities of the State provide services to children, because children are the future of Haiti. Children are the country, so we need to care for the children. We need to feed our children, we need to give a way to study, for tomorrow will come a generation of Haitians that everyone will be proud of. That's what we came to solve.
The President came with a program to bring all children to school for free over 5 years. We came up with a program to remove school fees in the national schools. We will continue like that, because we believe in you, we believe that our children must find a good education [...]
We will work on transportation, to put more buses on the streets. We are already working with Korea, who will send 50 additional buses for free [...] We will continue to work, because the people need a government that works for them, who put themselves to the service of the public. The Minister of Education, and the PNCS are there for you [...], the President is with you, the Government is with you. The only thing to do is study and get good grades. It is necessary to study to get good grades, so that tomorrow, you can become a doctor, engineer, and agronomist, because the country's future is in your hands [...]"
(Haiti Libre) -
Under the program against hunger that the President Martelly established, the Prime Minister-designate, Laurent Lamothe, paid a visit Thursday, to evaluate the National School Feeding Programme (PNCS), at the National School of Canada, on Delmas 3. Talking to the students, Laurent Lamothe declared :
"[...] I must tell you, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs that one of the tasks I have set for myself, is to ensure that when I travel outside the country, it is to get solutions, resources, and funding; so that more children can receive food, and that more children can attend school, because today, Haiti is ill and the country needs remedies and solutions [...] As one student told me just now, my dream is that all children will go to school for free [...], and my other dream is that the PNCS program, can increase from 325,000 to one million children, who will be able to benefit from a good meal in good conditions [...]
I have not come here as Prime Minister. You know I'm in the ratification at the Chamber of Deputies [...]; but my role as a Haitian, and as a patriot, is to come and listen, to see what are the problems, and if tomorrow, the House ratifies me, I would have already identified the problems, and come with solutions [...] It is necessary that the problems become solutions; this is why we will work hard with the Director, and the coordinator of the PNCS and with the Minister of National Education, in order to bring more children to school for free, to feed more children [...]
It is important that the authorities of the State provide services to children, because children are the future of Haiti. Children are the country, so we need to care for the children. We need to feed our children, we need to give a way to study, for tomorrow will come a generation of Haitians that everyone will be proud of. That's what we came to solve.
The President came with a program to bring all children to school for free over 5 years. We came up with a program to remove school fees in the national schools. We will continue like that, because we believe in you, we believe that our children must find a good education [...]
We will work on transportation, to put more buses on the streets. We are already working with Korea, who will send 50 additional buses for free [...] We will continue to work, because the people need a government that works for them, who put themselves to the service of the public. The Minister of Education, and the PNCS are there for you [...], the President is with you, the Government is with you. The only thing to do is study and get good grades. It is necessary to study to get good grades, so that tomorrow, you can become a doctor, engineer, and agronomist, because the country's future is in your hands [...]"
Sunday, April 8, 2012
ARTICLE - CENTRE UNIFE DE MERSAN
INAUGURATION OF CENTRE UNIFE OF MERSAN
(Haiti Libre) -
This week, the Digicel Foundation, in partnership with the National Special Olympics, inaugurated Centre Unifé de Mersan, a charity which works for the integration and development of children and adults with physical and mental handicaps.
This school, built in the town of Les Cayes, precisely in the community of Mersan includes two sections, one for children with physical and mental disabilities, and the other for children not suffering from disabilities. The Centre Unifé de Mersan includes five classrooms, an infirmary, kitchen, and a direction that will be tasked to manage, supervise and ensure the quality of education offered. This center has a capacity of between 120 and 150 students.
The National Director of Special Olympics Haiti, Jean Chevalier Sanon comments on this project: "Now more than ever, Haiti needs a new approach, a new direction, a new vision of society, of more responsible citizens, where education remains the best instrument to guarantee the permanence of such an approach.
With the support of the Digicel Foundation, 'Centre Unifie de Mersan' (classical training and professional institution) materializes the ideological cohesion and practice between institutions: Digicel Foundation, Special Olympics Haiti, Haiti and the YMCA-centre d'Éducation Spécialisée (CES) give back education and acclaims to promoting an inclusive society."
For her part, Elizabeth Headon, Executive Director of the Digicel Foundation reveals "The Digicel Foundation is here to help Haitian communities and it is always with great pleasure that we bring our reinforcement to those who have given the task of improving those living in precarious conditions.
(Haiti Libre) -
This week, the Digicel Foundation, in partnership with the National Special Olympics, inaugurated Centre Unifé de Mersan, a charity which works for the integration and development of children and adults with physical and mental handicaps.
This school, built in the town of Les Cayes, precisely in the community of Mersan includes two sections, one for children with physical and mental disabilities, and the other for children not suffering from disabilities. The Centre Unifé de Mersan includes five classrooms, an infirmary, kitchen, and a direction that will be tasked to manage, supervise and ensure the quality of education offered. This center has a capacity of between 120 and 150 students.
The National Director of Special Olympics Haiti, Jean Chevalier Sanon comments on this project: "Now more than ever, Haiti needs a new approach, a new direction, a new vision of society, of more responsible citizens, where education remains the best instrument to guarantee the permanence of such an approach.
With the support of the Digicel Foundation, 'Centre Unifie de Mersan' (classical training and professional institution) materializes the ideological cohesion and practice between institutions: Digicel Foundation, Special Olympics Haiti, Haiti and the YMCA-centre d'Éducation Spécialisée (CES) give back education and acclaims to promoting an inclusive society."
For her part, Elizabeth Headon, Executive Director of the Digicel Foundation reveals "The Digicel Foundation is here to help Haitian communities and it is always with great pleasure that we bring our reinforcement to those who have given the task of improving those living in precarious conditions.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
ARTICLE - ENAP - 21 OFFICIALS - TRAINING
21 OFFICIALS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING AT THE ENAP OF QUEBEC
(Haiti Libre) -
...There was launched at the Hotel Karibe, the second promotion of officials, who will follow during 2 years a training of Masters level in Administration, at the Ecole National d'Administration Publique (ENAP) of Quebec, to be able to meet the new requirements of public administration.
21 officials candidates, including 8 women, from various ministries and regional departments are preparing to take the training to strengthen the Haitian government. The beneficiaries of this program, signed a contract with the Haitian government, in which they pledge to work for at least 5 years in public administration after completing their training.
This program, started in May 2009, at the initiative of the Canadian Government under the Project for the Strengthening of Public Management (PARGEP) has a budget of over $7 million over 5 years. It is funded 68.8% by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), 21.3% by the Government of Quebec and 9.9% by the Haitian state.
Ms. Renée Lamontagne, Coordinator of the Masters at ENAP, considers that this new promotion is a continuity in this cooperation with Haiti, and hopes that this contribution participates to the change dreamed of within the Haitian public administration.
(Haiti Libre) -
...There was launched at the Hotel Karibe, the second promotion of officials, who will follow during 2 years a training of Masters level in Administration, at the Ecole National d'Administration Publique (ENAP) of Quebec, to be able to meet the new requirements of public administration.
21 officials candidates, including 8 women, from various ministries and regional departments are preparing to take the training to strengthen the Haitian government. The beneficiaries of this program, signed a contract with the Haitian government, in which they pledge to work for at least 5 years in public administration after completing their training.
This program, started in May 2009, at the initiative of the Canadian Government under the Project for the Strengthening of Public Management (PARGEP) has a budget of over $7 million over 5 years. It is funded 68.8% by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), 21.3% by the Government of Quebec and 9.9% by the Haitian state.
Ms. Renée Lamontagne, Coordinator of the Masters at ENAP, considers that this new promotion is a continuity in this cooperation with Haiti, and hopes that this contribution participates to the change dreamed of within the Haitian public administration.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
ARTICLE - EXECUTIVE OF UEH INSTALLED
INSTALLATION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE UEH
(Haiti Libre) -
Last Friday, the Council of the State University of Haiti (UEH), proceeded to the installation of members of its new Executive Council, namely Messrs. Jean Vernet Henry (Rector, second term), Fritz Deshommes (Vice Rector) and Jean Poincy (Vice Rector). The ceremony was attended by the First Lady, Sophia Martelly, Wilson Laleau, the Minister of Commerce [former Vice-President, of academic affairs, UEH] and various government officials and of universities in Haiti.
In his speech for the occasion, Jean Vernet Henry declared "We at the head of the UEH, a new Council with 'fresh blood', namely Jean Poincy, vice-rector of academic affairs [...] The values that should guide the UEH are responsibility, ethics, transparency, fairness, and solidarity. We are working to restore a climate of confidence in the rectory. We will also set up a dialogue space for all persons concerned [...] It is necessary to have a different view of the institution."
Returning to the criticism addressed concerning the management of the UEH, the Rector said that the criticisms of all kinds made to this institution, were unfounded. "They are not justifiable", regretting that the contribution of the UEH in Haitian society, is underestimated.
During this ceremony, the Rector announced the establishment of Masters and PhD programs in the coming days, ensuring that despite the inadequate budget of the University he will make of the UEH, a university of reference, and competitive at the global level,... with the help of all.
(Haiti Libre) -
Last Friday, the Council of the State University of Haiti (UEH), proceeded to the installation of members of its new Executive Council, namely Messrs. Jean Vernet Henry (Rector, second term), Fritz Deshommes (Vice Rector) and Jean Poincy (Vice Rector). The ceremony was attended by the First Lady, Sophia Martelly, Wilson Laleau, the Minister of Commerce [former Vice-President, of academic affairs, UEH] and various government officials and of universities in Haiti.
In his speech for the occasion, Jean Vernet Henry declared "We at the head of the UEH, a new Council with 'fresh blood', namely Jean Poincy, vice-rector of academic affairs [...] The values that should guide the UEH are responsibility, ethics, transparency, fairness, and solidarity. We are working to restore a climate of confidence in the rectory. We will also set up a dialogue space for all persons concerned [...] It is necessary to have a different view of the institution."
Returning to the criticism addressed concerning the management of the UEH, the Rector said that the criticisms of all kinds made to this institution, were unfounded. "They are not justifiable", regretting that the contribution of the UEH in Haitian society, is underestimated.
During this ceremony, the Rector announced the establishment of Masters and PhD programs in the coming days, ensuring that despite the inadequate budget of the University he will make of the UEH, a university of reference, and competitive at the global level,... with the help of all.
Monday, April 2, 2012
ARTICLE - PETITI-GOAVE - VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
INAUGURATION OF A VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE IN PETIT-GOAVE
(Haiti Libre) -
Limonjy Jean, Former-deputy of Petit-Goâve, yesterday Monday, March 26 inaugurated, the "Advanced Technical Training Centre" (CEFOTA). This modern center, fully equipped, aims to train youth of the Palmes region in various fields: accounting, business management, personal assistant, banking technology, technical customs, building construction, household electricity, plumbing, computer office, network administrator...
The population of Petit-Goâve welcomes the opening of such a center, which trains technicians for the development of the country in general, and the city of soulouquoise (Petit-Goâve) in particular.
After thanking all those who contributed to the realization of this project, Limonjy Jean declared: "The vocational school is part of a dual role; social and intellectual. It will also host seminars and conferences [...] It's a gift we offer to the young people and the people of Petit-Goâve. It is up to them to make of it a practical and efficient use [...] We have a big problem... Petit-Goâve faces a shortage of technicians in various fields. The time for excuses is over. Now, nobody can say, 'I do not have a job, I have no technical training because I could not go to Port-au-Prince, where I had no housing', or even; 'I interrupted my professional studies, because I could not meet the daily challenges of the life in the capital...'
With this school, we will avoid our young to take on unnecessary travel [...] We now have in Petit Goâve a vocational school that is competitive and accessible to all, with a teaching staff that is highly qualified and experienced. We expect all young people of the city and from other neighboring towns without distinction to make them autonomous. We will enable them to have a trade. They can thus make a living without difficulties... This Centre of proximity is a response to the needs of decentralized services."
In addition, as part of the celebration next year, of the 350th anniversary of Petit-Goâve, the center of arts and crafts, led by Hermantin Osee, a famous painter, gives 350 free scholarships to the youth of the city, in order to have at the commune level, 350 professionals in 2013. French trainers will provide seminars in June for learners, for one month.
(Haiti Libre) -
Limonjy Jean, Former-deputy of Petit-Goâve, yesterday Monday, March 26 inaugurated, the "Advanced Technical Training Centre" (CEFOTA). This modern center, fully equipped, aims to train youth of the Palmes region in various fields: accounting, business management, personal assistant, banking technology, technical customs, building construction, household electricity, plumbing, computer office, network administrator...
The population of Petit-Goâve welcomes the opening of such a center, which trains technicians for the development of the country in general, and the city of soulouquoise (Petit-Goâve) in particular.
After thanking all those who contributed to the realization of this project, Limonjy Jean declared: "The vocational school is part of a dual role; social and intellectual. It will also host seminars and conferences [...] It's a gift we offer to the young people and the people of Petit-Goâve. It is up to them to make of it a practical and efficient use [...] We have a big problem... Petit-Goâve faces a shortage of technicians in various fields. The time for excuses is over. Now, nobody can say, 'I do not have a job, I have no technical training because I could not go to Port-au-Prince, where I had no housing', or even; 'I interrupted my professional studies, because I could not meet the daily challenges of the life in the capital...'
With this school, we will avoid our young to take on unnecessary travel [...] We now have in Petit Goâve a vocational school that is competitive and accessible to all, with a teaching staff that is highly qualified and experienced. We expect all young people of the city and from other neighboring towns without distinction to make them autonomous. We will enable them to have a trade. They can thus make a living without difficulties... This Centre of proximity is a response to the needs of decentralized services."
In addition, as part of the celebration next year, of the 350th anniversary of Petit-Goâve, the center of arts and crafts, led by Hermantin Osee, a famous painter, gives 350 free scholarships to the youth of the city, in order to have at the commune level, 350 professionals in 2013. French trainers will provide seminars in June for learners, for one month.
ARTICLE - MICHAELLE JEAN - NEW MGMT. BOARD?
MICHAELLE JEAN, PRESIDENT OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE NEW UNIVERSITY?
(Haiti Libre) -
On the sidelines of his official visit in the Dominican Republic, President Michel Martelly indicated that the Government was working on the establishment of a Commission responsible for managing the new University, "Roi Henry Christophe" in Limonade "Until today, we are not able to establish an operating plan for the University of Limonade, while we knew for two years that a university center was going to be offered by the Dominican Republic," lamented Martelly.
"Now we are working to establish a Commission that will have to manage this university. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has announced that Chile and Mexico were ready to accompany us in the management. Through the contacts and the dynamism of Michaëlle Jean we can find other partners... I must also tell you that I made the proposal to Michaëlle Jean to preside this Commission that we need to set up, and I think that Ms. Jean, has her heart in Haiti, traveling almost twice a month to come and see how things are progressing. She is aware of everything that happens. I think it's of a good heart that she will force herself to accept the position [...] the future of the university has no other objective than to train generations of the youth, and we are taking decisions in this direction, and working on the management of this entity..."
For its part, the Rectorate of the State University of Haiti has appointed an interim management board to lead the new University "Roi Henry Christophe".
(Haiti Libre) -
On the sidelines of his official visit in the Dominican Republic, President Michel Martelly indicated that the Government was working on the establishment of a Commission responsible for managing the new University, "Roi Henry Christophe" in Limonade "Until today, we are not able to establish an operating plan for the University of Limonade, while we knew for two years that a university center was going to be offered by the Dominican Republic," lamented Martelly.
"Now we are working to establish a Commission that will have to manage this university. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has announced that Chile and Mexico were ready to accompany us in the management. Through the contacts and the dynamism of Michaëlle Jean we can find other partners... I must also tell you that I made the proposal to Michaëlle Jean to preside this Commission that we need to set up, and I think that Ms. Jean, has her heart in Haiti, traveling almost twice a month to come and see how things are progressing. She is aware of everything that happens. I think it's of a good heart that she will force herself to accept the position [...] the future of the university has no other objective than to train generations of the youth, and we are taking decisions in this direction, and working on the management of this entity..."
For its part, the Rectorate of the State University of Haiti has appointed an interim management board to lead the new University "Roi Henry Christophe".
ARTICLE - RESULTS OF 2010-11 SCHOOL CENSUS
RESULTS OF THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL CENSUS
(Haiti Libre) -
The 2010-2011 school census, aimed, among other things, to update the school statistics, update files (buildings, students and teachers), evaluate and update the educational indicators and implement an information system for the planning of education, according to the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP).
According to data provided by the Directorate of Planning of the Ministry, 16,072 schools were counted across the country. 43% of these schools were operating with only one educational level, 49% with two, and 8% with three levels.
Of those 16,072 schools, 44% were located in urban and 56% in rural areas, 12% were public, and 88% private institutions.
Regarding the fundamental level of the first two cycles, the population was 2,033,232 students. 22.45% [456.525 students] in public schools and 77.55% [1,576,507 students] in private schools. On the whole, 14.56% of students were repeaters and 2,893 [0.14%] disabled students. For the fundamental level, there were 68,426 teachers, of which 15.46% were in the public sector, and 84.54% in the private sector.
For the third fundamental cycle, and secondary level there were 613,202 students of which 27% [165,947], were in the public sector, and 73% in the private sector [447,255 students]. Of this total, 10% were repeaters [61,320 students] and 1,251 [0.20%] were disabled.
MENFP reported that the school census for the 2011-2012 academic year will start soon. The objective is to achieve the establishment of an automated process of data collection within the next three years. This new collection strategy is based on the institutionalization of the "National Day of School Statistics" (JNSS), during which each school principal must complete the questionnaires with information about their schools. April 17 was chosen for the launch of this first year of experimentation.
(Haiti Libre) -
The 2010-2011 school census, aimed, among other things, to update the school statistics, update files (buildings, students and teachers), evaluate and update the educational indicators and implement an information system for the planning of education, according to the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP).
According to data provided by the Directorate of Planning of the Ministry, 16,072 schools were counted across the country. 43% of these schools were operating with only one educational level, 49% with two, and 8% with three levels.
Of those 16,072 schools, 44% were located in urban and 56% in rural areas, 12% were public, and 88% private institutions.
Regarding the fundamental level of the first two cycles, the population was 2,033,232 students. 22.45% [456.525 students] in public schools and 77.55% [1,576,507 students] in private schools. On the whole, 14.56% of students were repeaters and 2,893 [0.14%] disabled students. For the fundamental level, there were 68,426 teachers, of which 15.46% were in the public sector, and 84.54% in the private sector.
For the third fundamental cycle, and secondary level there were 613,202 students of which 27% [165,947], were in the public sector, and 73% in the private sector [447,255 students]. Of this total, 10% were repeaters [61,320 students] and 1,251 [0.20%] were disabled.
MENFP reported that the school census for the 2011-2012 academic year will start soon. The objective is to achieve the establishment of an automated process of data collection within the next three years. This new collection strategy is based on the institutionalization of the "National Day of School Statistics" (JNSS), during which each school principal must complete the questionnaires with information about their schools. April 17 was chosen for the launch of this first year of experimentation.
ARTICLE - ALPHABETIZATION
DELIVERY OF CERTIFICATES TO 750 NEW LITERATES
(Haiti Libre) -
President Michel Martelly, has proceeded, Friday, March 30, to the delivery of certificates to 750 new literates, under the literacy program of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), together with the Secretariat of the State of Literacy.
The ceremony took place at the municipal palace of Delmas, in the presence of Réginald Paul, the Minister of MENFP, Ms. Milaine Alexandre, the Secretary of State for Literacy, the Mayor Wilson Jeudy, of the Ambassadors of Venezuela and Cuba in Haiti, respectively: Pedro Antonio Canino González and Ricardo Garcia Nápoles, whose countries contributed to the literacy program in Haiti.
Speaking to new recipients, the Head of State declared, "I congratulate all of you who have made the efforts to learn to read and write [...] This is a good thing! Your efforts will be rewarded [...] I always say: the country's reconstruction must first go through the reconstruction of every Haitian."
The 750 new literates, came from five municipalities of the department of the West, and are part of the 18,000 learners of the Alpha Center. They learned to read and write between September and December 2011. In total, more than 52,000 people have become literate. Milaine Alexander showed her appreciation, but believes, as the Head of State, that there is still much to do.
President Martelly expressed his thanks to the Government and people of Venezuela and of Cuba. These countries, who believe that the literacy program is a strategic project allowing to 'illuminate' (educate) the people, and to continue to support the Haitian authorities. "We will struggle until the final victory," declared the Venezuelan Ambassador.
According to the Cuban ambassador, Ricardo Garcia Nápoles, 5 million people will be literate in the coming years as part of the tripartite cooperation, Haiti-Cuba-Venezuela. He calls for the collaboration of the international community to achieve this goal. The teaching method "Wi mwen kapab", experienced by Cuba, and which was used successfully in over 20 countries, was applied in Haiti for this learning.
According to Minister Réginald Paul, thousands of trainers and inspectors, have already been trained to be able to help others.
(Haiti Libre) -
President Michel Martelly, has proceeded, Friday, March 30, to the delivery of certificates to 750 new literates, under the literacy program of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), together with the Secretariat of the State of Literacy.
The ceremony took place at the municipal palace of Delmas, in the presence of Réginald Paul, the Minister of MENFP, Ms. Milaine Alexandre, the Secretary of State for Literacy, the Mayor Wilson Jeudy, of the Ambassadors of Venezuela and Cuba in Haiti, respectively: Pedro Antonio Canino González and Ricardo Garcia Nápoles, whose countries contributed to the literacy program in Haiti.
Speaking to new recipients, the Head of State declared, "I congratulate all of you who have made the efforts to learn to read and write [...] This is a good thing! Your efforts will be rewarded [...] I always say: the country's reconstruction must first go through the reconstruction of every Haitian."
The 750 new literates, came from five municipalities of the department of the West, and are part of the 18,000 learners of the Alpha Center. They learned to read and write between September and December 2011. In total, more than 52,000 people have become literate. Milaine Alexander showed her appreciation, but believes, as the Head of State, that there is still much to do.
President Martelly expressed his thanks to the Government and people of Venezuela and of Cuba. These countries, who believe that the literacy program is a strategic project allowing to 'illuminate' (educate) the people, and to continue to support the Haitian authorities. "We will struggle until the final victory," declared the Venezuelan Ambassador.
According to the Cuban ambassador, Ricardo Garcia Nápoles, 5 million people will be literate in the coming years as part of the tripartite cooperation, Haiti-Cuba-Venezuela. He calls for the collaboration of the international community to achieve this goal. The teaching method "Wi mwen kapab", experienced by Cuba, and which was used successfully in over 20 countries, was applied in Haiti for this learning.
According to Minister Réginald Paul, thousands of trainers and inspectors, have already been trained to be able to help others.
Friday, March 16, 2012
ARTICLE - 100 MOTORCYCLES - EDUCATION
100 MOTORCYCLES AT THE SERVICE OF EDUCATION
(Haiti Libre) -
President Michel Martelly, proceeded, this Thursday, March 15, to the delivery of one hundred motorcycles to the ten departmental directors of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), at the rate of ten motorcycles for each department. This equipment, intended for the zone inspectors, was offered with financial support from the World Bank, to allow a better supervision of schools throughout the country.
The ceremony was held in the presence, among others, of Reginald Paul, the Minister of Education, Pierre Michel Laguerre, Director General, the Special Envoy of the World Bank in Haiti, Alexandre Abrantes and officers from the department of education.
The Head of State said in his speech "...it is a great pleasure to be here, to participate in this ceremony of distribution of 100 motorcycles [...] the idea of sending all children to school is one thing, but there is a mechanism to ensure that what they learn is what needs to be learned[...] To ensure that the work is well done, it is necessary that there are reports, and that the inspectors of zones play this role, the role of a relay, the role of a gateway between schools that are dispersed throughout the country,.... by inspecting and ensuring that the level of education is there, .... that the children come to school, and that the food is there [...] It is only the beginning, the rest comes after..."
President Martelly has addressed his thanks to the World Bank and to the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training to understand the need to supervise the inspectors of school districts. He asks them to ensure proper management of these materials, which are in fact insufficient for all inspectors. The school district offices, numbering 70 and subdivided into 450 zone inspectors, are responsible for the management of these motorcycles.
Minister Réginald Paul stressed that "...these are the inspectors of zones that go into schools to provide supervision, to support the schools to help improve the educational services that they provide to children [...] The observations that we make [...] is that many of these schools are in remote environments, and that it was necessary to support these offices, helping them to reach these schools with much more ease. It is in this sense that we planned, the acquisition of 100 motorcycles, to begin to facilitate this supervision [...] Now, we will specifically ask the departmental director to solicit from the inspectors of zones, a performance plan, where they will be able to inform us of the use of these materials [...]"
The special envoy of the World Bank, Mr. Alexander Abruntes has indicated "...we prepared a project 'Education for All' to support you in this program. It has already been approved at a cost of $70 million, [...] We think that this amount will allow to finance the education costs for 235,000 children, and provide a hot meal to 73,000 children per day. But it is not enough...., we must put children in school, and also ensure the quality of what is happening in the school [...] we must invest in the quality of teachers and in their supervision. The role of supervisors is absolutely essential, and it is through the improvement of working conditions of supervisors that we are giving these motorcycles [...] 100 motorcycles is a start, we will give as many as you need ..."
(Haiti Libre) -
President Michel Martelly, proceeded, this Thursday, March 15, to the delivery of one hundred motorcycles to the ten departmental directors of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), at the rate of ten motorcycles for each department. This equipment, intended for the zone inspectors, was offered with financial support from the World Bank, to allow a better supervision of schools throughout the country.
The ceremony was held in the presence, among others, of Reginald Paul, the Minister of Education, Pierre Michel Laguerre, Director General, the Special Envoy of the World Bank in Haiti, Alexandre Abrantes and officers from the department of education.
The Head of State said in his speech "...it is a great pleasure to be here, to participate in this ceremony of distribution of 100 motorcycles [...] the idea of sending all children to school is one thing, but there is a mechanism to ensure that what they learn is what needs to be learned[...] To ensure that the work is well done, it is necessary that there are reports, and that the inspectors of zones play this role, the role of a relay, the role of a gateway between schools that are dispersed throughout the country,.... by inspecting and ensuring that the level of education is there, .... that the children come to school, and that the food is there [...] It is only the beginning, the rest comes after..."
President Martelly has addressed his thanks to the World Bank and to the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training to understand the need to supervise the inspectors of school districts. He asks them to ensure proper management of these materials, which are in fact insufficient for all inspectors. The school district offices, numbering 70 and subdivided into 450 zone inspectors, are responsible for the management of these motorcycles.
Minister Réginald Paul stressed that "...these are the inspectors of zones that go into schools to provide supervision, to support the schools to help improve the educational services that they provide to children [...] The observations that we make [...] is that many of these schools are in remote environments, and that it was necessary to support these offices, helping them to reach these schools with much more ease. It is in this sense that we planned, the acquisition of 100 motorcycles, to begin to facilitate this supervision [...] Now, we will specifically ask the departmental director to solicit from the inspectors of zones, a performance plan, where they will be able to inform us of the use of these materials [...]"
The special envoy of the World Bank, Mr. Alexander Abruntes has indicated "...we prepared a project 'Education for All' to support you in this program. It has already been approved at a cost of $70 million, [...] We think that this amount will allow to finance the education costs for 235,000 children, and provide a hot meal to 73,000 children per day. But it is not enough...., we must put children in school, and also ensure the quality of what is happening in the school [...] we must invest in the quality of teachers and in their supervision. The role of supervisors is absolutely essential, and it is through the improvement of working conditions of supervisors that we are giving these motorcycles [...] 100 motorcycles is a start, we will give as many as you need ..."
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