Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide announces bold initiative during UNIFA graduation ceremony, expanding access to agriculture education
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – March 2, 2026 In a powerful commitment to education and food sovereignty, former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide announced that agronomy studies at the Aristide Foundation University (UNIFA) will now be tuition-free for all aspiring students, effective immediately.
The historic declaration was made during UNIFA’s graduation ceremony on Sunday, March 1. Aristide highlighted his family’s long-standing dedication to education, referencing the centenary celebration of his late mother on May 6, 2021, when 100 scholarships were first awarded to agronomy students. Since then, a total of 578 students have benefited from this support program, laying the foundation for the broader free-access initiative.
“Tout jèn fi, tout jèn gason ka etidye agwonomi nan UNIFA gratis,” Aristide stated, affirming that young women and men alike can now pursue agronomy without financial barriers.
UNIFA, established by the Aristide Foundation, has long championed inclusive higher education, particularly for underserved communities. After reopening in 2011 following political disruptions, the university has grown to offer programs in medicine, law, engineering, business administration, and agriculture. It has graduated over 1,176 professionals across various fields.
The agronomy program benefits from practical resources, including an adjacent farm for hands-on training. Students operate donated equipment such as tractors, gaining real-world experience in boosting productivity and agricultural self-sufficiency — critical goals for Haiti’s economic and nutritional independence.
This tuition-free policy positions UNIFA as a leader in accessible education in a field vital to Haiti’s future, especially amid ongoing food insecurity, climate challenges, and rural development needs.
L’Union Suite congratulates UNIFA, President Aristide, and all graduates on this milestone. Free agronomy education is a step toward building a stronger, more self-reliant Haiti.
Knowledge is power. Education is the foundation.
