BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB / the Bank) in collaboration with the Government of Haiti, has launched the Quality Enhancement in Public Education II (QEPE II) Project, a major investment designed to improve access to quality education and strengthen learning outcomes across Haiti, particularly for children in poor and vulnerable communities. The initiative will be financed through a US$13 million grant from CDB’s Special Development Fund  resources, with an additional US$1.7 million provided by the Government as counterpart funding. 

Building on the achievements of the first QEPE project, QEPE II will provide direct support to 16,000 students and 700 educators through a comprehensive package of interventions including school feeding and nutrition, tuition waivers, gender-responsive support programmes, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment, instructional materials, and professional development for teachers and school leaders. The project will also support the upgrade and operationalisation of an e-learning platform for secondary students, enabling continuity of learning despite socio-political disruptions.   

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Martin Baptiste, Division Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB, emphasised the significance of the initiative, saying “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for resilience, social stability, and long-term development. QEPE II is a critical investment in Haiti’s future, helping to ensure that children - regardless of their circumstances - have access to safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environments.”

Mr. Yves Roblin, Director General, Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP), Haiti welcomed the support and highlighted its timely impact, saying “Amid challenges faced by our country, QEPE II provides vital support to keep our schools functioning and to uphold the right to education for all Haitian children. This partnership with CDB strengthens our capacity, improves resources in our classrooms, and helps us deliver better outcomes for students across the nation.”

The project directly supports the Government’s Decennial Education Sector Plan (2022 - 2032) and reinforces national priorities such as school health and nutrition, expanded access, and improved governance. It also aligns with CDB’s Country Engagement Strategy for Haiti (2023 - 2025), which identifies human capital development - and specifically education quality and access - as a central pillar for achieving sustainable growth. Consistent with CDB’s objective of building social resilience through transformational education, the intervention advances key goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and inclusive development. 

The Bank remains committed to supporting Haiti’s long-term development and strengthening educational opportunity for the country’s young learners.

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Photo caption: Officials from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Government of Haiti attend the launch of the Quality Enhancement in Public Education II (QEPE II) Project.