Nanm Vodoua brings forth the fire of Ogou Feray at the French Institute

Redefining the image of Haïti on the internet: Yes, we can do it!

Haïti is often viewed online through the prism of poverty, political instability and natural disasters. Although these aspects are part of the Haitian reality, they do not entirely define it. Cultural richness, a glorious past, abundant natural resources, exquisite gastronomy and other attractions are equally important, but unfortunately less publicized, facets.

Who were the first inhabitants of Haiti? History of the Tainos

Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, Haïti was already inhabited by a people who had a deep relationship with the land and nature: the Tainos. These first inhabitants left a cultural and spiritual legacy that continues to influence Haitian identity. Let’s discover who the Tainos were, their way of life, and what they brought to the history of Haiti.

Timoun se Moun: A poetry competition to promote children’s rights in Haiti

A wounded country. Bent under the weight of a multidimensional crisis. Widespread violence. Hope slammed shut. A sacrificed generation. Children are increasingly threatened. They are increasingly confronted with all forms of vulnerability that hinder their overall development. ACTIF is launching the second edition of the "Timoun se Moun" poetry competition. A citizen initiative in which the organization uses writing as a springboard to build what life deprives Haitian children of. Pain can be turned into gold. For ACTIF (Community Action for Transformation and Formal Integration), poetry is a philosopher’s stone. Not only for this organization, but also for all those who believe that writing can help rekindle the stars. Faced with this urgent need for action, this is "an initiative to raise awareness, denounce, and affirm loud and clear that every child matters, every child deserves protection, hope, and a future," reads the competition’s descriptive document. So what do you intend to do with your human light? Through this competition, participants have the opportunity to engage in an act of resistance, like a cry of conscience to raise the voice of broken childhoods. Open from May 18 to June 18, "Timoun se Moun" is open to all Haitians living in the country and aged 18 and over. Texts must be submitted in Creole. Behind this initiative, ACTIF intends, on the one hand, to affirm our cultural and linguistic identity, and on the other, to enrich our Creole literature, promote it, and encourage creativity in our vernacular. The text must not exceed 500 words. The format chosen is PDF, Times New Roman font, size 12, and 1.5 line spacing. This competition aims to offer a touch of affection to these children who are the first victims of the country’s descent into hell. To evaluate the literary quality and essence of the submitted texts, a jury is composed of Ruthza Paul, Douglas Zamor, and Darly Renois. The former is a physician and winner of the first edition of this competition. The other two work in the fields of sociology, psychology, and literature. In addition to the "Jury Prize: 15,000 HTG + books + certificate" and "Audience Prize: 5,000 HTG + certificate + books" prizes, the best texts will be included in an anthology to be published by Éditions Répérages. It should be noted that there will be one winner for each prize. This initiative reflects ACTIF’s commitment to honoring authors who embrace the cause of underprivileged children while enriching Haiti’s literary heritage. This competition extends a helping hand to all those who believe that through poetry, one can transform one’s life into a masterpiece. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to contribute to ACTIF’s child protection program. Each participant may submit a single text. It must be sent by email to the following address: actifkonkoupwezi@gmail.com. The partial results will be published on June 30, 2025, and the final results on July 18, 2025. For more information, visit ACTIF at the following address: 18 Rue Desdunes, Imp. Thoby, Mahotière 79, Carrefour, Haiti, or contact the organization at the following number: (+509) 38 44 57 57. More than just a contest, ACTIF invites you to say No. No to forgetting. No to passivity. No to violence against children and the violation of their rights.

Gold Medal for Ava Soon Lee, a Resounding Kihap in Mexico

Ava Lee once again proved her mastery of taekwondo by winning a gold medal at the U21 Pan American Championship, held at the Arteaga Gymnasium in Querétaro, Mexico, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. This resounding triumph, marked by a powerful "kihap", symbolizes the strength and determination of the young Haitian athlete on the international stage.

What is the primary language of Haiti?

Haiti, with its unique history and vibrant culture, is a country where language plays a central role in national identity. Haiti’s primary language is Haitian Creole, a rich and expressive language that reflects the country’s cultural mix. Although French is also an official language, Creole is spoken by almost the entire population and is a fundamental part of daily life. In this article, we will explore the origins, uses, and importance of Creole in Haiti.

Haiti: Discovering Lake Péligre

At the heart of the majestic Haitian topography, lies a natural gem of breathtaking beauty: Lake Péligre. Nestled in the mountains of Haiti’s central region, this artificial lake is a wonder for local residents and amazed visitors alike. From its historical creation to its contemporary ecological importance, let’s explore together the riches of Lake Péligre. Origin and History: Lac de Péligre is the result of an ambitious engineering project undertaken in the 1950s. At that time, the Haitian government, in collaboration with international partners, undertook the construction of the Péligre Dam on the Artibonite River. The main goal was to provide large-scale electricity to Haïti while regulating river flooding to protect agricultural land downstream. Ecology and Biodiversity: Beyond its usefulness as a source of hydraulic energy, Lake Péligre is home to rich ecological diversity. The calm waters of the lake provide vital habitat for a variety of native fish species, supporting local fishing communities. In addition, the surrounding forests and hills that border the lake are home to diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the preservation of the regional ecosystem. Tourism and Leisure: For outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts, Lake Péligre offers a multitude of leisure opportunities. Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the tranquil waters of the lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, hiking trails winding through lush forests allow hikers to explore the area’s natural beauty. Lake Péligre represents much more than a simple artificial body of water. It is a living testament to human ingenuity and the natural beauty of Haiti. As an emerging tourism destination, it offers visitors an immersive experience in nature, while highlighting the crucial importance of environmental conservation. By preserving this natural treasure, we also preserve the sustainable future of our planet.