The Haiti Reconstruction Fund (HRF) approved a Government request for US$5 million to strengthen much-needed training and vocational education in Haiti. The project aims to train and provide employment for over 2000 youth as well as skilled workers for the country's Northern Industrial Park. The importance of vocational training is central for the reconstruction. As Haitian President Martelly has indicated, "...learning a trade is the first step to start building one's dream, a dream linked to the reconstruction of the country."

The US$5 million will finance :

• Training opportunities and employment for 600 youth annually over four years;

• Vocational education for skilled workers;

• Upgrading of six training/vocational education centers;

  and

• Development of a national strategy for training and vocational education.

This financing is the second HRF contribution to the Reconstruction of the Education Sector program approved by the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) with a total cost of US$500 million. Based on a five-year planning span, this program has set ambitious targets in line with what President Michel Martelly stated as one of the five main goals of his administration when he said that "Education is the future of Haiti."

HL/ HaitiLibre