“Reopening Classrooms in Artibonite Reaffirms the State’s Presence,” Says Minister Sandra Paulemon

The 2026-2027 school year was officially launched on Monday in Ennery, in the Artibonite department. The ceremony, held on behalf of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, was presided over by the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, Dr. Sandra Paulemon, under the theme “Yon Lekòl Pou Tout Moun” (A School for Everyone). Several education officials attended, including the director general of the National Office for Partnership in Education (ONAPE), Stéphanie Paultre; the director general of the National Education Fund (FNE), Jefnie Toussaint; the Artibonite departmental director of education, Blandine Lebrun; and representatives of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP).

Speaking for the head of government, Sandra Paulemon praised the work of the Minister of National Education and Vocational Training, Dr. Vijonet Déméro. She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting accessible, equitable and inclusive education across the country. According to the minister, the country’s sustainable development and stability remain closely tied to the state’s ability to guarantee a quality education system. She stressed the need to expand access to education, particularly in rural areas.

The choice of Ennery to host the national launch of the school year was no accident, Sandra Paulemon said. In her view, it reflects the authorities’ desire to put local communities at the center of public action and to underline that the country’s future is being built in every commune and every department. The minister announced several measures to support this approach, including a stronger textbook subsidy program, financial support for the most vulnerable families and an expanded national school meals program. The government also plans to supply these canteens primarily with local farm produce, notably from Artibonite.

“Reopening classrooms here reaffirms the state’s presence and the absolute priority given to rural youth. Reconnecting our schools and protecting the right to education in our provinces remain, for this government, both a security and a social priority,” Sandra Paulemon said. The minister also thanked teachers and school principals for their daily dedication. She commended parents for the sacrifices they make to keep their children in school and called on technical and financial partners to continue supporting the education sector.

To students, Sandra Paulemon delivered a message of confidence and perseverance, saying every child should be able to learn and succeed regardless of background or social circumstances. After the ceremony, the minister held a press briefing during which she handed out, through the Artibonite departmental director of education, appointment letters and debit cards for teachers in the department.

Sandra Paulemon also visited the Toussaint Louverture National School, where she distributed school kits — including bags, books and notebooks — to students. By launching the school year from Ennery, the government aims to show its determination to make education a tool for social transformation and regional development. Under the theme “Yon Lekòl Pou Tout Moun,” the authorities say they want to promote a more accessible and inclusive school system, one that guarantees every child the right to an education wherever they live.