标签： Haiti

A comprehensive national education census conducted during the 2024-2025 academic year has revealed critical insights into Haiti’s school system, highlighting an overwhelming dependence on private institutions. The survey, organized under the theme ‘Resansman lekòl jodi, se prepare zouti pou planifye edikasyon demen’ (School census today, preparing tools to plan education tomorrow), provides alarming statistics about educational infrastructure across the Caribbean nation.

The data indicates that Haiti’s education landscape serves approximately 4,028,897 students across all levels. The breakdown shows 861,812 children enrolled in preschool programs, over 2.6 million (2,645,319) students in primary education, and 521,766 learners in secondary institutions. The most striking finding reveals that of the 18,241 schools operating nationwide, a mere 17.7% constitute public institutions, while private establishments dominate with 82.3% market share.

This privatization trend becomes even more pronounced at the secondary level, where only 4% of the country’s 7,683 institutions are publicly managed. Geographic distribution further compounds the challenge, with 45% of secondary schools concentrated solely in the West Department, creating significant regional disparities in educational access.

The human resource component of the system includes 34,759 preschool educators and 82,180 teachers serving the first two cycles of primary education. These figures will inform strategic planning and resource allocation decisions by educational authorities.

From this extensive data collection effort, the Ministry of Education has produced several key publications: a National Yearbook of School Statistics, ten Departmental Registers, and a statistical bulletin titled ‘Haiti, Education in Figures.’ This accomplishment resulted from collaborative efforts between the Directorate of Planning and External Cooperation (DPCE), the General Directorate of the Ministry of National Education, the Education Management Information System (SIGE), and the Project Coordination Unit (UCP). The initiative received technical and financial backing from major international organizations including the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and UNESCO.

Minister of Education Augustin Antoine emphasized that effective governance—a cornerstone of the Ten-Year Education and Training Plan (PDEF/2020-2030)—requires reliable, coherent, and continuously updated information systems. The Minister has subsequently directed the DPCE team to expand data collection to include non-formal education programs and enhance existing information on higher education institutions.

In a heartwarming holiday event, Haitian Minister of Social Affairs Georges Wilbert Franck joined a special Christmas celebration for children rescued from criminal gangs. The gathering took place on December 23, 2025, at the Transit and Orientation Center (CTO) operated by the Institute for Social Welfare and Research (IBESR).

Minister Franck addressed the young survivors who had been forcibly recruited by armed groups, encouraging them to embrace the guidance provided by dedicated support staff working toward their rehabilitation. “The State is determined to put an end to all forms of juvenile violence aimed at jeopardizing the lives of the country’s future good citizens,” Franck declared during his inspirational speech.

The official highlighted the significant progress made since the Haitian government and United Nations system established a formal protocol for the transfer, reception, and care of children associated with armed gangs. This collaborative effort has successfully recovered over one hundred minors, placing them in specialized facilities like the CTO where they receive comprehensive support services.

IBESR Director Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignified and respectful behavior among the young recipients of Christmas gifts. The ceremony occurred at a facility currently housing 29 rescued children—26 boys and 3 girls—who are undergoing structured rehabilitation programs.

This event symbolizes Haiti’s ongoing commitment to addressing gang-related violence and protecting vulnerable youth through institutional support and international cooperation, offering hope for the nation’s future generation.

In a significant humanitarian gesture during the 2025 holiday season, Haitian authorities granted freedom to 23 individuals who had been held in prolonged pretrial detention for minor offenses. The releases occurred on December 24th following an extensive case review process conducted by a high-level government delegation.

The delegation included Justice Minister Patrick Pélissier, Women’s Rights Minister Pedrica Saint Jean, Government Commissioner Fritz Paterson Dorval, and Court Dean Bernard Saint-Vil. Their visit to the Center for the Re-education of Minors in Conflict with the Law (CERMICOL) spanned several hours and involved meticulous examination of detention files.

Those released included vulnerable populations specifically identified for clemency: five women, one minor girl, thirteen minor boys, and four men. All had been incarcerated for several years despite facing only minor charges. Justice Minister Pélissier emphasized that the government carefully excluded anyone accused of serious crimes including rape, violent offenses, or kidnapping from this holiday pardon initiative.

The action was implemented in strict accordance with Haitian legal provisions, with officials noting they considered the complex legal, social, and human circumstances of each individual case. The releases represent both a compassionate holiday gesture and a practical step toward addressing Haiti’s chronic issue of prolonged pretrial detention, particularly affecting women and juveniles in the judicial system.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a poignant display of solidarity during the Christmas season, Haiti’s National Police Force (PNH) hosted a special commemorative event on December 24, 2025, dedicated to children who lost parents in the line of duty throughout the year.

The gathering, organized by the PNH General Directorate, transformed into an atmosphere of both celebration and remembrance. Children participated in games, dances, and shared a festive meal while receiving gifts, all under the supportive presence of the police high command.

Acting PNH Commander Vladimir Paraison delivered an emotionally charged address that acknowledged the complex emotions surrounding the holiday for bereaved families. ‘How can I offer festive wishes,’ Paraison reflected, ‘when I know that for many children here, this celebration isn’t what they dreamed of? They face absence before even reaching adulthood.’

Paraison’s speech emphasized the collective responsibility of the police force toward the families of fallen colleagues. ‘I don’t pretend to replace your father,’ he told the children, ‘but know this: behind every uniform, there is a protective presence. Each police officer carries a piece of your parent within them.’

The commander specifically acknowledged the courage of widows raising children alone, pledging ongoing institutional support: ‘We cannot fill absences, but we commit to being a reflection of his presence beside you, a support when the road seems long.’

The event concluded with holiday wishes and a renewed commitment from the police force to maintain close ties with the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Haiti.