Towards a New Impetus for Haitian Education: FNE and UNESCO Consolidate Their Partnership

The National Education Fund (FNE) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are preparing to take a new step in their collaboration. During a meeting held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the UNESCO office in Pétion-Ville, the Director General of the FNE, Elysé Colagène, and the UNESCO Representative in Haiti, Eric Voli Bi, discussed the main areas aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership in the Haitian education sector. According to information gathered, discussions focused on evaluating ongoing projects, their implementation, and exploring new avenues of cooperation in crucial areas such as science, teacher training, risk management, and the promotion of inclusive education. These exchanges are part of a dynamic to modernize and build resilience in the Haitian education system, a major challenge in a context of severe economic, political, and environmental crisis. Mr. Colagène emphasized, during this meeting, the importance for Haiti of relying on credible technical and financial partners to consolidate FNE's achievements and expand access to quality, free, and equitable education. UNESCO, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional capacities and promoting an educational model adapted to Haitian realities. A Joint Response to Post-Hurricane Emergencies The discussion also took place in a post-hurricane crisis context, following the devastating passage of Melissa over several departments of the country. The two officials agreed to quickly launch a joint assessment of the damage sustained by school infrastructure and furniture. The objective: to define, as soon as possible, the most appropriate intervention measures to rehabilitate affected establishments and ensure the continuity of educational activities. This action reflects a clear will of both institutions to act in solidarity in the face of natural disasters, which annually worsen the precariousness of the national education system. Beyond emergency management, this meeting marks a common desire to rethink educational governance in Haiti. The UNESCO representative, Eric Voli Bi, praised the « will for dialogue and openness » of the new Director General of the FNE, while expressing his wish to work hand in hand to strengthen the planning, transparency, and sustainability of educational programs. This orientation is part of the vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and citizen-centered education system in Haiti, an immense but essential undertaking for the country's future. An Alliance Bringing Hope At a time when Haiti is undergoing profound social and institutional turbulence, the consolidation of the partnership between FNE and UNESCO appears as a glimmer of hope for Haitian youth. Education remains, more than ever, the main lever for development, reconstruction, and national cohesion. If this will for collaboration translates into concrete and lasting actions, the country could finally initiate the long-awaited shift towards a more resilient, more equitable school system, better aligned with the challenges of the 21st century.