Employment and Youth: MEF Launches the Youth Employment Initiation Program (PIJE)

Port-au-Prince – The Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), Mr. Alfred Fils Metellus, officially inaugurated the PIJE, emphasizing the necessity of hiring more young people in both public and private institutions to strengthen national development.

Launched on International Youth Day, the program offers short-term paid internships financed by the State through the Public Treasury. These internships are designed for graduates from Haitian universities and professional schools, both public and private.

Key Program Clarifications

During the launch, Director General of the MEF, Bouco Jean Jacques, clarified the program’s scope: “PIJE is not a direct recruitment program, although some interns may be hired at the end of their training.”

Director General of the Budget, Jean Michel Silin, added: “The current government is acutely aware of the fundamental role youth play in the country’s economic development.”

Context and Implementation

The program was reactivated following Circular No. 008 (March 28, 2025) issued by the Prime Minister, in a context marked by the emigration of experienced professionals and “brain drain.”

• Participants: The first cohort includes 263 interns.

• Kick-off: Training began on August 8, 2025.

• Deployment: Pilot internships will start in various public institutions this month.