Representatives from higher education institutions, nonprofits and private corporations met in GW’s Marvin Center Sept. 22 to identify ways to strengthen Haiti’s education system.
Louis Harold Joseph, Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S.; Rector of the State University of Haiti Jean-Vernet Henry; and Joseph Baptiste, chairman of the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH) joined faculty from GW and other universities around the country—including Catholic, American, the University of Kansas and Brown—as well as representatives from local and national nonprofits to discuss current higher education initiatives in Haiti and to explore ways universities can collaborate on future projects.
“The educational system in Haiti is not in good shape and presents an impediment to the progress and development of the country,” said Mr. Joseph.
GW participants included Associate Provost for International Programs Donna Scarboro; Kathy Newcomer, director of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration; Joel Gomez, associate dean for research in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development; Assistant Research Professor of Health Policy Patrick Richard; Huda Ayas, executive director of the Office of International Medicine; and Professor of Practice of International Affairs Robert Maguire. A team of undergraduate and graduate volunteers was also in attendance.
“This is about lessons learned about what we’ve been doing already but more importantly moving forward and coming up with new ideas about working together,” said Dr. Newcomer. “Clearly collaboration is the name of the game.”
The event included several breakout brainstorming sessions and a concluding meeting to discuss new ideas and next steps. Ideas included increasing service-learning programs for U.S. students in Haiti, building more English as a Second Language courses and developing more scholarship and fellowship opportunities for Haitian students.
Dr. Scarboro said the meeting was a continuation of GW’s efforts to support Haiti.
“GW has been working with Haitian institutions for many years, but after the earthquake we collected our forces and began to give coordinated attention to how we might be most useful to our Haitian partners and the people they serve,” she said. “GW is honored to have the chance to help NOAH and the participants, including the ambassador and the cultural attaché, set out new goals and approaches.”
Dr. Scarboro noted the creation of the Haiti Initiative in the Elliott School of International Affairs as an example of ways GW is strengthening its connections in Haiti “while continuing efforts in education, medicine and economic development.”
“This conversation served to remind us that there is still work to be done and cooperative effort across many types of players will be required,” she said.