The Association of Franco-Haitian and Friends of Haiti (FHAH), in conjunction with the Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), inaugurated last Thursday, a school complex in the region of Laferonnay-Gressier.

Several important figures of the country (1) and of the international community took part in the inauguration, which also brought together several hundred people came to discover the new Educational Center, in a festive atmosphere of dances and songs. Painters, draftsmen and craftsmen have took advantage of the space to exhibit their works.

The Educational Centre, a building with twenty rooms and a mini-lab, equipped with fifteen computers, should serve not only to classical education [primary and fundamental], but also to the formation of young people of Gressier.

For Jean Michelet Paul, Mayor Assessor of the municipality, "this building reflects the international solidarity, especially that of France to Haiti. With the financial support of our partners, hundreds of children of the commune will be able dream of a better future with education."

Jeantet Martine, the French government representative said that the new Educational Centre "[...] was a work of great value that should allow children of Gressier to go to school," expressing the pride of France, to have help fund this project.

M. Valdemar, the President of the FHAH reported that the Educational Centre will be open next month and that 200 people have registered for courses. For Pierre Audin, coordinator of the Association "With this new center, nearly 1,000 students will be able to receive the bread of education," stressing that "spending on education represents a fruitful investment for the future."

Joseph Leprince Augustin, the Director General of MHAVE, who shares the view of the Mayor assessor of Gressier declared "We are proud to see achieve here, a project that we have promoted from the beginning. Education is the basis for development. Without it, no progress is possible."

(1) Joseph Leprince Augustin, the Director General of MHAVE, Mrs. Martine Jeantet the Representative of the French Government, Me Henri, Boucicaut, the Director of the International Cooperation inter-Haitian, Jean-Claude Valdemar President of the FHAH, the Ddeputy of the constituency of Gressier, Jean Ronald Oscar, the Mayor principal of the municipality, Jean Valcius Estinval and Jean Butshine Mulumba, President, of the Platform of Congolese Associations (PACOF).

S/ HaitiLibre