The Haiti's Ministry of Culture is organizing a summer camp for hundreds of children and teenagers from underprivileged neighborhoods in downtown Port-au-Prince, including Carrefour-Feuilles, Bel-Air, Solino, Fort National, Lalue, Poste-Marchand, and other surrounding areas.

On Friday, July 31, Emmanuel Ménard, the Minister of Culture, accompanied by senior officials from his Ministry, visited the participants who are receiving introductory music and singing lessons at the Occide Jeanty Kiosk in Champ de Mars. They are being taught by instructors from the National Music Program (PRONAM), an entity created within the Ministry of Culture and Communication for the practical teaching of music according to the pedagogical approach of the Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály, which focuses primarily on solfège, phonology, and singing.

After just two weeks of classes, the young participants, surrounded by parents and curious onlookers, gave a demonstration that confirmed Haiti's wealth of hidden talent.

"Every note played, every song performed, every smile displayed by these children is a victory over exclusion and violence. It is the State's duty to offer young people spaces where they can learn, create, dream, and believe in their future," the Minister told the media. "Culture can transform lives, and the government is counting on culture as a driver of transformation and development."

Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, will launch a project to create marching bands in high schools across the country. A pilot project to expand music education is also set to begin with the National Music Program.

IH/ iciHaiti