As if anticipating the celebration of Flag and University Day, the Acajou Room at the Karibe Hotel was fully decorated in the Haitian bicolor to host this commendable event in honor of these valiant teachers whose years of service have marked the development of education in Haiti. From the podium to the last row of attendees, the blue and red were vividly displayed. An initiative praised by the Minister of National Education, Augustin Antoine, who stated that it pays tribute to the teachers.

"You are the nation's most precious and important asset for building quality education. You have dedicated your life, your talents, and your abilities to train, educate, and instruct. You are role models," declared Minister Augustin Antoine, addressing the teachers. Mr. Antoine acknowledged, however, that this ceremony is being held in a context where the teaching process has been severely disrupted by gang violence in several departments of the country, rendering many schools dysfunctional.