Official Launch of the 4th Edition of the National Essay Contest by Centre Muse Haïti
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Karibe Hotel hosted the launch conference of the 4th edition of the national essay contest organized by Centre Muse Haïti. The event was attended by members of the Centre, including Father Gilbert Peltrop, contest coordinator, Mr. Arnold Antonin, special guest of this edition, as well as representatives from institutions such as the Ministry of National Education, represented by Emmanuel Bernard speaking on behalf of Minister Antoine Augustin; the OPC; the State University of Haiti, represented by Rector Dieuseul Prédélus; LONAPÉ, represented by Mr. Hervé Boursiquot; the Ombudsman Me Wilner Morin; and representatives of the UNDP, BINUH, and UNESCO, represented respectively by Mr. Xavier Michon, Armor BouBarkri (on behalf of Ms. Maria Isabel Salvador), and Ms. Erica Francillon Célestin (on behalf of Mr. Éric Voli Bi), partners of Centre Muse in this initiative. Members of the press were also present.
HaïtiA Contest to Reflect on Education in Times of Crisis
The event was an opportunity to present the overall vision and purpose of the initiative in the midst of the multidimensional crisis affecting the country. This year’s edition is themed “The Right to Education in Haiti.” It targets students from grades NSI to NS4 and first-year university students. The submission period opened on Thursday, May 15, 2025, and will close on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM local time.
Powerful Statements and Commitments
Various speakers expressed the importance and relevance of the initiative in a suffering Haiti.
Father Peltrop explained the reason behind the theme: "The Right to Education in Haiti" aims to foster deep reflection and encourage every citizen and institution to commit to making school a non-political, inclusive tool in a country plagued by social, political, and economic crises. He reminded the audience that Article 32 of the Haitian Constitution mandates the State to ensure education for all.
Ombudsman Me Morin emphasized that youth must be at the forefront of the transformations Haïti desperately needs. He expressed OPC’s satisfaction in being part of the initiative.
Mr. Boursiquot from LONAPÉ highlighted the fundamental link between education and peace. The UNESCO representative called the initiative an act of faith in the future. Rector Prédélus described the contest as a symbol of hope and encouraged youth to take this opportunity to voice their ideas.
HaïtiArnold Antonin Advocates for a Deep Reform
Special guest Arnold Antonin delivered a powerful and applauded speech calling for a total overhaul of the Haitian education system. He advocated for an approach based on the real needs of Haitian learners, promoting an education that fosters critical thinking, love for the country and environment, and rejection of corruption and impunity—two major plagues at the root of Haiti’s current chaos. According to him, the true revolution Haïti needs lies in educational reform.
HaïtiAttractive Awards
Centre Muse, the Ministry of National Education, and its partners announced enticing awards for contest winners, ranging from cash prizes to electronic tablets, and the publication of selected essays in the official journal of the Republic, Le Moniteur.