VIDEO: President Michel Martelly honored by Happy Hearts Foundation in New York City

President Michel Martelly was honored by the Happy Hearts Foundation at a gala event in New York City on Thursday, June 19, 2014.

At a gala event hosted by the Happy Hearts Foundation on June 19, 2014, former Haitian President Michel Martelly was recognized with the foundation's Leadership Award. The honor celebrated his commitment to improving education in Haiti, a cornerstone of his presidency.

During his tenure, President Martelly reinstated the constitutional mandate that education is a free and fundamental right. Under his leadership, Haiti saw primary school attendance increase from 46% in 2012 to over 83% by 2013, making it one of the fastest-growing rates globally. His administration subsidized the tuition fees of 1.4 million children, launched the country's first school feeding program benefiting 1 million students daily, and rebuilt more than 300 national schools.

Martelly emphasized the importance of education as a pillar of societal development and highlighted his family's dedication to supporting learning through the Ros Blan Foundation. His efforts aligned with the UN Millennium Development Goals, focusing on accessible and sustainable education for all Haitian children.

The event also recognized the contributions of organizations and individuals, including Petra Nemcova, the Happy Hearts Foundation's founder, for supporting education initiatives in disaster-affected areas like Haiti. Martelly's passionate commitment to educational reform and development continues to inspire progress in the nation.

Michel MArtelly received the Leadership Award for his transformational leadership after the devastating earthquake and his commitment to uplifting Haiti's future through education.

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