On Friday, September 4th, 2026, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé presided over a ceremony at the Karibe Hotel to award certificates to 150 facilitators trained in providing psychosocial support in schools. Among them were 80 police officers and 70 officials from the Ministry of National Education, who will assist children suffering from psychological trauma caused by armed group violence. They will soon be deployed to schools to ensure students receive accessible psychosocial support.

The ceremony, held under the theme "A School for Everyone" (Yon Lekòl Pou Tout Moun) took place in the presence of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, several members of the Haitian National Police (PNH) High Command, Minister of National Education Vijonet Deméro, former Minister of National Education Nesmy Manigat, Minister of Public Health Synal Bertrand, and Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Marc Élie Nelson.

During his address, Vladimir Paraison, the Acting Director General of the PNH, emphasized the essential role of facilitators within police stations and schools, particularly in listening, guidance, and psychosocial support.

Speaking in turn, Marc Élie Nelson stressed the importance of this initiative, reiterating that "the ability of our children to learn, to grow, to withstand adversity, and above all, to continue to hope" must be at the heart of public policy. According to the Minister, mental health can no longer be considered a secondary issue in the education system. It is an essential condition for learning, academic success, and, more broadly, for the rebuilding of society.

The Prime Minister reiterated that mental health in schools is a national emergency, given the trauma faced by children and young people. "There is no future without education. There is no progress without stability. We will build this stability together."

The Head of Government called on facilitators to contribute to resilience, inclusion, and social peace. He also announced the upcoming inauguration of new modern schools in Artibonite and the North, for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

IH/ iciHaiti