Port-au-Prince, November 15, 2025.- The chalk sounds on the paintings, the cries of all kinds on the playground, the imposing voice and laid teachers fill again the deserted space since the destructive raid of the bandits of the coalition viva ansanm. The students of the Lycée Antenor Firmin expelled from their school, are back in the classrooms, thanks to the interventions of the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training (MENFP). But despite the rehabilitation efforts, the school faces severely damaged infrastructure and persistent insecurity in the vicinity of the site, especially behind John Paul II Street.
The Director of the Lycée Antenor Firmin, Jean Madsen Désir, welcomed the work of the MENFP; he considers the redevelopment an important step, because the criminals had vandalized everything
Concerted efforts were made to furnish classrooms, restore electricity and secure essential spaces. Rehabilitation will take time, as some metal structures were stolen.
Despite this reopening, the spectre of a return of bandits is still high because the area behind John Paul II Street remains particularly dangerous; «sporadic shots disrupt student concentration », reports Director Jean Madsen Désir. This insecurity continues to affect the serenity of the courses and the school system.
However, the Director remains optimistic about the future. « After the rain comes the good weather »he said, with the hope of a gradual improvement in the security situation to enable students to study in dignified conditions.
W.A.
