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As the country faces a political and security crisis that has brought it to a standstill, Haitian teachers are rallying to save education. Between school closures, strikes and chaotic relocations, the situation is alarming. Unions are sounding the alarm and calling for collective action to get things back on track.

A serious government and security crisis

Politically, the situation in Haiti is complicated. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the country has been experiencing a severe crisis. An interim government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, was put in place to organise elections, however, three years later, elections still hadn’t been held and the Prime Minister had been forced to leave power and the country.

Finally, an agreement was said to have been reached on April 3rd to establish a transitional Presidential Council and a consensus government.

The two aims of the transitional Presidential Council and government are to pacify the country and thus resolve the security problems and hold elections so that power can be handed to those elected in 2026.

However, the security situation has worsened and gangs have become even more powerful. Gangs now control 80% of the capital, making some roads inaccessible and leading to thousands of people being displaced. In March, there were 60 000 internally displaced people in the metropolitan area alone.

Impact on education

The crisis has had serious repercussions on the education sector.

“Many state schools are closed, some have been moved to inadequate buildings”, bemoaned Kensone Delice, general coordinator of the UNNOEH (National Union of Student Teachers and Educators of Haiti).

“Sometimes, when certain schools are relocated, it is done very haphazardly” stressed Hubermane Clermont, General Secretary of FENATEC (National Federation of Workers in Education and Culture), adding that “this affects the ability of teachers to give lessons”.

Private schools haven’t been spared either, with some having to close. Pupils are falling behind, jeopardising their future as well as jeopardising the ability to create citizens of the future.

Union action

In light of the situation, unions have not remained inactive.

“We are pressuring the government and the transitional council”, Mr Delice explained.

A strike was started to remind everyone of how important education is to rebuilding the country. Mr. Clermont underscored that “teachers are showing solidarity” and that the ten departments supported the strike.

Budget deficit for education

Despite a significant increase in the education budget, problems remain. “This year, the education budget doubled but on the ground, we haven’t seen any attempt to try and solve the problems”, noted Mr. Delice.

Mr. Clermont added that “so far, we haven’t felt the impact of this budget on education”. Teachers are still waiting for concrete measures to improve their working conditions.

Towards union unity

Haitian education unions are nevertheless trying to maintain unity through strategic action.

“There is strong unity, there is no division”, stated Mr. Delice.

For Mr. Clermont, “it is unity in diversity. Not everyone shares the same views but the aim is always the same: defending education workers’ rights.”

International support

Haitian unions have also received support from Education International.

“Support can come in different ways”, Mr. Delice specified, whilst Mr. Clermont reminded us that “last year, we received many letters from sister organisations”. Therefore, it is vital to keep drawing the world’s attention to the situation in Haiti.

As regards the international community’s role in the country’s political, economic and social situation, they reminded everyone that Haiti needs the international community to support it through concrete actions.

Despite the situation being disastrous, there are two or three things we can do to show our support and solidarity. We urge you to send a letter of encouragement to our Haitian affiliates. We have a template that you can customise. Please send your letter to [email protected] and we will ensure our colleagues receive it, given that communication is difficult. You can also show your support online by sharing these pictures and messages.

In conclusion, the state of education in Haiti is alarming. Teaching unions are mobilising to save this vital sector but the road is long and bumpy.

Haitian unionists have reaffirmed their willingness to fight for access to education as education is very important to the people of Haiti. They have noted that even illiterate parents make huge efforts for their children to access education and believe that, as unionists, they have an historic responsibility.

It is essential that the authorities take concrete steps to respond to teachers’ demands and ensure Haitian pupils have a better future.