Martine Plays Truant Despite Herself

Faire l’école buissonnière is a French expression meaning not going to school when one should be there, often to engage in recreational activities or explore nature. It generally evokes a form of disobedience or escape from school obligations.

The expression is often used lightly or childishly, highlighting a desire for escape and adventure. However, it can also reflect a lack of commitment to education. In some contexts, it can illustrate a disinterest in the school system or a need to break free from academic constraints.

But nowadays, in Port-au-Prince, who is playing truant? The students or the officials of the Ministry of National Education?

It is undeniable that many traditional schools, vocational schools, and private universities in downtown Port-au-Prince can no longer function normally. If you grew up in this city, certain school names will remain etched in your memory. Perhaps you wished for them, attended them, or had friends who were there. You might even have competed academically or athletically with their students. But what has become of these schools?

In Port-au-Prince, this city known as the capital of Haiti and the largest in the country, everyone carries their own story and fights their own battle. Some schools have practically closed their doors, others are desperately looking for a place to settle, while some are trying to continue online. The students, for their part, have fled their homes. They live in temporary shelters in the midst of the turmoil. They have lost everything: books, uniforms, and even their clothes. Internet access is often impossible for them, just as it is difficult for them to eat properly.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Education continues registrations for official exams. Faced with this crisis, the authorities continue to bury their heads in the sand, as always. At this rate, our future leaders of tomorrow risk receiving their truancy diploma, with honors.