Fifteen students qualified for the oral stage of the OCNH essay competition

The Organization of Citizens for a New Haiti (OCNH) published the list of students admitted to the oral phase of the fourth edition of its National Essay Contest on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Vant Bèf Info reports. The selected candidates will be contacted for the next steps, the organization indicated.

The institutions represented

The finalists come from several universities across the country, including the State University of Haiti (UEH), the Dr. Aristide Foundation University (UNIFA), the Public University of the South in Les Cayes (UPSAC), and the University of Notre Dame of Haiti.

From the OCNH list, the media outlet names Viarlanta Augustave, Dharins Olivier Augustin, Junald Dorcena, Ancy Dorelus, Fredlin Fildor, Sunshine John Gaetan, Jean Vilus Joseph, Karl Billy Nelson, Jean Rosvelt, Jean Donald Pierre Louis, and Abdias Sanon. Also appearing on this list are Gracia, Schaëlda P. Meraite, Daïna Silfils, Rockny Sylpha, and Kenny Thelusma.

The topic assigned to the candidates

The students are working on "Legal identity for all: issues and challenges of civil status in Haiti." They are asked to examine the difficulties of the civil status system and their consequences for access to a legal identity. The contest aims in particular to stimulate reflection on the flaws of the Haitian civil status system.

Open to undergraduate students, with prizes awarded

The competition was launched during a press conference on August 6 and is open to undergraduate university students and those writing their thesis.

The first-place winner will receive 1,500 US dollars, a computer, a trophy, a medal, books, and a paid internship. The second place will receive 1,000 dollars, a tablet, books, and an internship with expenses covered. The third will obtain 650 dollars, a tablet, and other rewards.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for December 4, 2026.