MONTREAUX, SWITZERLAND – Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today the launch of the Canada-Haiti Scholarships Initiative which will help Haitian students resume their studies in the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred in January 2010.

“Canada has played a leadership role in contributing to an effective and coordinated response to the earthquake,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “Today’s initiative will help promote education in Haiti, contributing to the country’s long-term development and prosperity.”
 
The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, had a profound effect on Haiti's education system, academic institutions, students, faculty and administration.  As part of Canada’s response to this natural disaster, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has established the Canada-Haiti Scholarships Initiative to meet the immediate needs of Haiti's postsecondary students, faculty and institutions, as well as help revitalize Haiti's education system.  The initiative will also improve academic, social and cultural ties between the two countries.
 
Canada is committed to supporting Haiti and its reconstruction efforts over the long-term. In this regard, Haiti has been identified as a priority country for CIDA with the commitment of some $555 million in aid.
 
 

Backgrounder

CANADA-HAITI SCHOLARSHIPS INITIATIVE

Following the January 12 earthquake that struck Haiti, the Government of Canada developed the scholarships initiative after conducting a series of outreach activities and consultations with Haitian university professors, administrators and education experts.
 
These scholarships will give 85 students and faculty members the opportunity to study in Canada for one or two semesters.  An additional 30 students will have the opportunity to pursue a certificate program through distance education.  The initiative will also fund 20 innovative projects offering vocational and academic training to Haitian students and faculty.
 
The Canada-Haiti Scholarships Initiative includes three components designed for Haitian students and faculty, as well as Canadian and Haitian academic institutions:
 
Short-term study opportunities in Canada  that are designed to enable Haitian students and faculty at the college,  professional, undergraduate, and graduate level to study in Canada for one or  two semesters.
Canada-Haiti Virtual University  Scholarship Program that offers eight certificate programs in French, with  courses given over the internet.
Canada-Haiti Academic Projects  Scholarship which aims at supporting joint academic projects between Canadian  and Haitian institutions.  Priority is given to education or  training in priority areas identified by members of Haiti's  academic community.

For more information, please consult Canada-Haiti Academic Projects Scholarship.