Overcoming Challenges: Promoting Erasmus+ in Haiti Amidst Social and Political Unrest

Daniel Uriel VENTURA CACERES
Daniel Uriel VENTURA CACERES • 19 November 2024

In recent years, Haiti faced a complex social and political climate, making it difficult to hold in-person events and connect with the academic community directly. Despite these challenges, the European Union Delegation (EU Delegation) with some colaboration of the Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP) for Haiti, Farah L. Augustin, worked to ensure that Haitian students and institutions remained connected to the transformative opportunities offered by Erasmus+.  

Through a mix of innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, the EU Delegation with some support of the ENFP of Haiti spearheaded several impactful initiatives. Here’s a recap of the key activities that brought Erasmus+ to the forefront in Haiti.  

1. Virtual Presentation with Universities 
Recognizing the logistical challenges of organizing in-person meetings, the EU Delegation turned to virtual platforms to engage Haiti’s academic community. On January, a Zoom meeting brought together representatives from various universities to introduce Erasmus+ programs. This online event provided a comprehensive overview of the program's benefits and encouraged Haitian universities to explore partnerships and student exchanges.  

2. Twitter Space Discussion 
June marked an exciting milestone with a lively Twitter Space discussion featuring Patrick Attié and Erasmus+ scholarship awardees. These students shared their firsthand experiences, from the application process to their personal and academic growth during their time abroad. The session was a resounding success, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among participants eager to learn how Erasmus+ could shape their futures.  

3. Translation and Sharing of Erasmus+ Video 
Understanding the importance of accessibility, Farah and her team translated a key informational video about Erasmus+ into French and Haitian Creole. The multilingual approach ensured that the message reached a broader audience, overcoming language barriers. The video, widely shared on social media and academic networks, served as a vital resource for students and institutions alike, simplifying complex information about the program and its opportunities.  

A Collaborative Effort
These activities were the result of thw work of EU Delegation with some support of Farah, the ENFP of Haiti. Together, they developed strategies to adapt to Haiti’s unique challenges while staying aligned with local needs and priorities.  

A Vision for the Future
While the current circumstances in Haiti are undoubtedly difficult, the perseverance of Farah and the EU Delegation exemplifies the resilience and determination to connect Haitian students and institutions with the global Erasmus+ network. By leveraging virtual platforms, storytelling, and accessible resources, Erasmus+ continues to empower Haiti’s academic community to reach beyond its borders, offering hope and opportunities for growth.  

Stay tuned for more updates on Erasmus+ in Haiti and across the Caribbean! 

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