Presidential
Martelly Launches National Fund for Education
- Friday, May 27, 2011 7:09 AM
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - The President of the Republic Michel Martelly with national and international partners, launched on Thursday the National Fund for Education (FNE).
Created at the initiative of the Presidency, this Fund aims to provide free education for every child in Haiti.
To finance the FNE, the government will assess a 5 cents on tariff for each minute of an international call and $1.50 will be assessed on the international transfer of funds.
The tariff on international calls will become effective on June 15 and the Bank of the Republic of Haiti, under management from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin its fees on June 1.
President Michel Martelly vowed to use all measure at his disposal to ensure the right to education that is provided by the Constitution.
The FNE is a result of a unified effort with the Haitian Government, private sector, financial institutions and international non-governmental organizations.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) representative in Haiti, Bashire Lamine welcomed the initiative saying, "I want to congratulate you for the extraordinary impetus you are giving to the sector of the education of this beautiful country of Haiti."
Providing free education was one of the main points of Michel Martelly during his presidential campaign. The establishment of the FNE seeks to make it a reality.
Related 05.19.2011: Reorganizing Higher Education in Haiti
Related 05.17.2011: IMF Approval of Haiti's New Policies Allows Loan Disbursement
Related 05.08.2011: Constitutional Amendments Article 32: Right to Education
Related 04.26.2011: Martelly to Tax Diaspora $8.5M USD per Month
Related 02.15.2011: Michaelle Jean to "overhaul" Education System
Source: Haiti Press Network
