Josué Mérilien
By Alterpresse, April 14, 2023
The Haitian National Teachers Union (UNNOH) coordinator Josué Mérilien announced a mobilization starting April 17 to April 19, 2023.He told AlterPresse / AlterRadio that they are mobilization against violent crime, kidnapping, and the poor working conditions.
Over these three days, teachers will take 15-20 minutes to explain to the students about the obstacles teachers and students face. Teachers will discuss the climate of terror imposed by armed gangs which prevent the schools from functioning properly. Teachers will also discuss their irregular salary payments.
Mérilien says many teachers have been working unpaid for several months, sometimes years.
Delays also prevent new teachers from being hired. Mérilien says that 500 new teachers have so far received no salary.
The teachers' union is also planning a two day strike Thursday 20 and Friday 21 April 2023.
In an open letter, UNNOH demanded that Nesmy Manigat, the de facto head of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENPH), to order the immediate delivery of all checks,
The letter explains that some teachers have been unable to come to their classrooms because of the threat of gang violence.
In a February press release, The Haiti branch of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported nine times increase in armed violence against schools in the past twelve months.
Rising violence in urban areas has forced the closure of 30 schools during the first six days of classes in February 2023.
UNICEF Haiti's press release mentions shootings, destruction of property, looting and kidnappings.
Translated by CHIP editors
Posted May 26, 2023