The year after the earthquake that killed more than 300,000 peoples and turned the capital Port-au-Prince and several other cities and towns to rubble, Haiti continues to sink into chaos. The situation is terrible, over one million people still live amid the rubble in emergency camps in cramp and inhuman condition. Haiti needs long-term investments in areas that are the backbone of any society, youth, education, culture. Haitians want to have the oppotunity to be part of the reconstruction. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO has intensified its efforts last year, for literacy, teacher training, the establishment of educational statistics. We trained masons in earthquake resistant techniques, we have arranged professional training centers, created the program "one book, one child".

The majority of the Haitian population is under 25, this youth is a chance for the future, we must seize it. They want to take part in solutions, they want to be heard, valued, recognized for all they have to offer. We also wish that more support be given to local initiatives which are many.

They needs supports to enhance their wealth and talents through art education, support for the craft, diversification of economic activities

and we should not underestimate the importance of strengthening scientific research in Haiti for sustainable solutions for environmental, health and safety issues.

Education, culture is what remains when everything else is destroyed and what determines the ability of people to cope. Haitian culture is a treasure for development, the region of Jacmel for example, has the potential to become a great center of culture and tourism destination. Its artists and artisans, its Carnival, its historic district are powerful levers to rely on.

My mission is to support UNESCO strategy for Haiti as in meaningful and long-Term contibution to the reconstruction efforts sought by the Haitian and civil society. I's also promise to lead a crusade to bring the international community and organizations to honor their promises and commitments.

Michaëlle Jean

HL/ HaïtiLibre / UNESCO