The Ministry of National Education, together with the University Agency of the Francophonie in the Caribbean (AUF-Caribbean), the Regional Conference of Rectors and Presidents of Caribbean Universities (CORPUCA), the Conference of Rectors and Presidents of Haitian Universities (CORPUHA) and the University Institute for Executive Training (INUFOCAD), organized a three-day workshop in Pétion-Ville on University Governance in Haiti and the Caribbean, which ended on Saturday, November 30.

During this workshop, the participants (in person and by videoconference) reflected on some major areas of university governance, including : strengthening the university offering, managing external efficiency and quality assurance, academic leadership, scientific diplomacy, ethics and university social responsibility, managing the educational relationship, managing the relationship between the University and the business world, internationalization of higher education, university financing, governance of the curriculum and tuition services.

Augustin Antoine, the Minister of National Education, warmly welcomed the holding of this workshop which, he said, initiates debates on a subject of capital importance.

"[...] This mission of university governance is not simply an administrative issue. It represents the cornerstone of our capacity to train competent, committed citizens ready to contribute to the national succession. [...] The Ministry is taking concrete measures to strengthen this sub-sector, not only in terms of teaching but also in terms of scientific research and learning. Our vision is clear : to offer Haitian students a solid, modern academic framework in line with international standards. This requires a strengthened partnership between universities, the private business sector and international institutions," committed Minister Antoine, convinced that this strengthening is essential to make Haitian higher education institutions first-rate actors, effective in solving the social, economic, health and environmental problems facing the country.

The first day of this academic reflection activity was also marked by communications from Dr. Jacky Lumarque, Rector of Quisqueya University and former President of COPUCA, Dr. Yves Paul Fausner, former Director of Higher Education and Scientific Research at the Ministry and Dr. Nahum LaFleur, Rector of the Public University of the Centre.

HL/ HaitiLibre