The Minister of Education and the French Ambassador discuss educational projects for a strengthened partnership
The Minister of National Education and Vocational Training of Haiti, Augustin Antoine, and the French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, met on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at the General Inspectorate of Education in Musseau to discuss priorities and new perspectives for the Haitian education sector. This meeting marks a new stage in strengthening cooperation ties between Haiti and France in education, with an emphasis on strategic projects for the improvement of the education system in Haiti.
During this exchange, Minister Antoine highlighted several priority areas, including strengthening preschool, improving the quality of public education, developing multilingualism based on the mother tongue and introducing new subjects. in the fundamental curriculum, such as technological, aesthetic, physical and citizenship education. The minister also highlighted the development of the technological sector in renovated secondary schools and the expansion of the school canteen.
Both parties also insisted on the importance of teacher training and the revision of school programs to better meet the needs of Haitian society. Antoine Michon announced the establishment of a fund of several million euros to support the school canteen for the 2024-2025 academic year, an initiative which will promote the use of local agricultural products in schools, in accordance with commitments of the Paris Declaration from the first global meeting of the School Feeding Coalition in October 2023.
France has committed to providing immediate financial support for the rehabilitation of certain public school infrastructure in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince.
This first meeting between Minister Antoine and Ambassador Michon marks the start of new partnership initiatives in favor of education in Haiti, contributing to a lasting transformation of Haitian education system.
Also present during this interview: Professor Jean-Robert Dossaint, director of the minister’s office, Miguel Fleurijean, director of secondary education, Etienne Louisseul France, departmental director of Western Education, and Bertrand Ollivier, advisor policy at the French Embassy.
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2024-11-07 02:05:00
Interview: Strengthening Educational Ties Between Haiti and France
Editor of Time.news (ET): Welcome, Professor Jean-Robert Dossaint. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent meeting between the Minister of Education, Augustin Antoine, and the French Ambassador, Antoine Michon. This conversation marked a significant step in enhancing educational partnerships. Can you provide us with an overview of what was discussed during this meeting?
Professor Jean-Robert Dossaint (PRD): Thank you for having me. Absolutely, the meeting was pivotal. Minister Antoine emphasized several priority areas that are crucial for the advancement of the Haitian educational system. The focus was not only on immediate improvements but also on long-term strategic developments, particularly in strengthening preschool education, enhancing the quality of public education, and fostering multilingualism grounded in the mother tongue.
ET: Those sound like ambitious goals. What specific projects were highlighted during the discussions?
PRD: One significant initiative is the introduction of new subjects in the fundamental curriculum, which will include technological, aesthetic, physical, and citizenship education. Additionally, there is a strong push to develop the technological sector in renovated secondary schools and improve school canteens to ensure students receive nutritious meals.
ET: You mentioned the importance of teacher training and curriculum revision as well. What steps are being proposed in that regard?
PRD: Yes, indeed. Both Minister Antoine and Ambassador Michon stressed that effective teacher training is essential to meet the needs of Haitian society. They discussed the urgent need to revise school programs to integrate local context and relevance. This could mean adjusting teaching methods and materials to reflect the cultural and socio-economic realities that students face.
ET: It’s great to hear that there is an emphasis on local relevance. Can you tell us more about the financial commitments made by France to support these initiatives?
PRD: Certainly. Ambassador Michon announced a substantial commitment in the form of a fund containing several million euros aimed at supporting school canteens for the upcoming academic year. This initiative aligns with the Paris Declaration commitments that were made during the first global meeting of the School Feeding Coalition held in October 2023, which aims to promote the use of local agricultural products in schools. Additionally, France is set to provide immediate financial support for the rehabilitation of public school infrastructures in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.
ET: These initiatives seem promising for the future of education in Haiti. What does this meeting mark for the relationship between Haiti and France in terms of educational development?
PRD: This meeting signifies the beginning of a renewed partnership focused on transforming the Haitian education system. Both parties are committed to a cohesive strategy aimed at not just immediate projects but also sustainable long-term improvements. The commitment shown by France reaffirms the belief in collaborative efforts to ensure that Haitian students receive a quality education that prepares them for future challenges.
ET: It seems that the future holds potential for significant advancements in education in Haiti. Before we conclude, what would you say is the next step for these initiatives to gain traction?
PRD: Moving forward, it will be crucial to monitor the implementation of these plans closely. Establishing a robust framework for accountability and regular communication between the Haitian Ministry of Education and French authorities will be key. Furthermore, involving local communities in the decision-making process can ensure that the initiatives are culturally and contextually relevant, leading to more effective outcomes for Haitian students.
ET: Thank you, Professor Dossaint, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It’s inspiring to hear about the collaborative efforts underway to improve education in Haiti, and we look forward to seeing the positive developments in the future.
PRD: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for education in Haiti, and I appreciate your platform for spreading awareness about these developments.