(2 Dec 2019) Protected by police, thousands of Haitian children returned to school on Monday after classes halted during months of violent unrest. The Education Ministry called on public and private schools last week to open their doors to their pupils.
But on Monday, some schools were about a quarter full as parents kept their children at home instead.
Others had only a handful of students or didn't open at all.
The schools, like government offices and businesses, closed as violence escalated during the demonstrations, which were aimed at forcing the resignation of President Jovenel Moise.
The protests began in mid-September, organised by opposition leaders and supporters angry over corruption, spiraling inflation and dwindling supplies, including fuel.
More than 40 people were killed, and dozens injured as demonstrators clashed with police while President Moise insisted he would not resign and called for dialogue.
Authorities said more than two million children were not able to attend school as a result of the protests.
The school closures also had an impact on the wider community, with tradespeople unable to sell their wares to pupils and their parents.
The United Nations says 3.7 million people in the country of nearly 11 million lack access to enough food amid the political turmoil, and that that number is expected to reach 4 million early next year.
Find out more about AP Archive:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Google+:
Tumblr:
Instagram:
You can license this story through AP Archive:
0 Comments