Toward a Stronger Education System in Haiti

Panel: Toward a Stronger Education System in Haiti

Summary:

This conversation will focus on how the diaspora can contribute to a stronger education system in Haiti. There is a shortage of skilled labor in Haiti and the Haitian education system is not preparing its students to tackle the issues of the 21st Century. However, the Haitian diaspora has a strong pool of professionals who can contribute in addressing the education crisis in Haiti. Today, the sentiment is that the international community is the one setting the agenda on those issues while Haitians should be the ones at the table leading the conversation. How can the diaspora lead on those issues side by side with our fellow citizens in Haiti? What is the role of advocacy in addressing this issue? Who are the key agencies/institutions that should be targeted to create change in the system? What policy changes are needed to allow for greater involvement of the diaspora in the country?

After completing this session, the participant will be able to name current and potential opportunities for collaboration within the education sector, between professionals in Haiti and its diaspora. The participant will be able to identify a “bright spot” to leverage and existing gaps to be filled for a stronger education system in Haiti.

Panel to address the following questions:

  • Where have opportunities for collaboration – between Haitian and diaspora professionals, students, universities, faculty members, researchers – already succeeded (bright spots)? What barriers prevent their replication or continuity?
  • Is there a common definition of success (and evaluating success) when envisioning a “stronger education system”?
  • Who are the stakeholders in this conversation? Are we thinking more broadly about the diaspora, beyond those in the U.S.? What about Haitian students and professionals in the DR, Cuba, Brazil, etc.?
  • What are the critical building blocks to ensure citizens in Haiti and the diaspora are engaging in mutually collaborative ways? Which components are already in place or missing?
  • What are the barriers to effective collaboration in the education sector?
  • In addition to direct action, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using advocacy and policy setting for greater collaboration?
  • Has higher education been overlooked in the education reform conversation? Is it not a benefit that university-level students can actively participate in partnerships, reforms, and projects (as opposed to younger students at the primary and secondary level)?
  • How can Haiti lead the way: What are the opportunities for global innovation, uniquely tied to Haitian culture and community?

Moderator: Nedgine Paul, CEO of Anseye Pou Ayiti (Teach for Haiti)

Panelists:

  • Jean-Claude Brizard, Former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Anseye Pou Ayiti Board
  • Dr. Paul Pierre, Fulbright program alumnus and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Partners In Health
  • Dr. Francois Pierre-Louis, Associate Professor at CUNY
  • Dr. Marjorie Pierre Brennan, NAHP Chair of the Advisory Board and Physician specializing in pediatric anesthesiology at Children National Medical Center