In the Republic of Haiti, there is need for skilled labour in priority economic sectors such as construction, tourism and water. In response, the Government set ambitious targets for providing students with access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). However, in 2015, only 23,000 students had access to TVET programmes, falling behind Government’s goal of 70,000.

Notwithstanding the limited progress, Haiti is continuing on its mission to expand economic growth by creating a labour force of skilled and employable individuals. As part of the scaled-up effort, the country is getting assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to strengthen TVET.  

Some of the key issues affecting TVET which are being addressed through this partnership include: the disrepair of centres; inadequate or obsolete tools and equipment; and the lack of a reliable supply of water and electricity. In some regions, students are underserved, lacking access to programmes such as mechanical engineering, construction and garment-making.

A CDB-funded project completed in 2017 supported the enhancement of the learning environment for TVET in Haiti, and made it possible for students to gain access to high-quality and relevant education and training. One of the TVET Centres built under this project was opened in Jacmel in June 2018. CDB’s Director of Projects, Daniel Best, speaking at the opening ceremony, noted that  education was a priority area for the Bank.

“CDB recognises the critical importance of providing high quality public education and training opportunities for social and economic development in its borrowing member countries. The Bank continues to invest in vocational training across Haiti, supporting the government’s strategy to build a skilled workforce,” Best said.

The Jacmel TVET Centre has the equipment, tools and curriculum support materials to help students get a head-start on leading productive professional lives. With the opening of two other centres financed under the project, Haiti will continue further along a path to matching the right talent with jobs that can help diversify and transform its economy.

CDB worked with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP) through the National Vocational Training Institute to deliver the project.