"In the Spirit of Dessalines, Let's Work Hand in Hand for Peace" (Nan lespri Desalin, an n travay men nan men pou lapè) was the theme chosen by the Government for a series of socio-educational, pedagogical, and cultural events held on October 15 and 16, 2026, in both public and private schools across Haiti’s ten departmental education directorates (DDEs). The events commemorated the 220th anniversary of the assassination of Emperor Jean-Jacques Dessalines (which occurred on October 17, 1806).

On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Lycée National de Pétion-ville, adorned in the national colors, hosted a major event designed to help students better understand and appreciate the various facets of this illustrious figure, the Founding Father of the Haitian nation.

This commemorative event was organized under the direction of Minister of National Education Vijonet Déméro, as outlined in a circular dated October 14, 2026. The circular instructed the departmental education directorates to initiate socio-educational, pedagogical, and cultural activities in all schools across the country on the two days leading up to October 17, 2026.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Secondary Education drew the students' attention to the greatness of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, highlighting the profoundly human, subversive, and groundbreaking nature of his political actions.

Furthermore, Professor Miguel Fleurijean offered reflections and posed questions regarding the Emperor’s life. "We must look to Dessalines as a model, so that today we might find the courage to rouse the country from its lethargy," he stated, while also commending the organization of the event. Kendy Nicolas, Director of Fundamental Education, described this day of remembrance as an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Dessalines, noting that "the date of the Emperor’s assassination serves both as an act of remembrance and an invitation to reflect on the present and future of all Haitians."

Étienne Louisseul France, Departmental Director of Education for the West, called for peace on this occasion, suggesting that the event centered on the Emperor’s assassination is more than just a duty to remember; it also represents "a moment for reflection and the awakening of our civic consciousness."

For his part, Professor Jean-Marc Charles, Principal of the Lycée National de Pétion-ville, which hosted the event,btook the opportunity to highlight the multidimensional nature of Jacques I, as well as his fierce determination to fight for the freedom and human regeneration of the enslaved people of Saint-Domingue and beyond.

HL/ Haitilibre