Three young leaders honored for their social impact during the 11th edition of PRIM POU CHANJMANThree young leaders honored for their social impact during the 11th edition of PRIM POU CHANJMAN
Three young leaders honored for their social impact during the 11th edition of PRIM POU CHANJMAN
Since 2014, the “PRIM POU CHANJMAN” (PPC) initiative, orchestrated by Gwoup Konbit through Leaders of Tomorrow, honors extraordinary young Haitians who carry out remarkable actions to improve their community. Initially called the “CITE SOLEIL PEACE PRIZE” and limited to young people from Cité Soleil, this program expanded in 2023 to include all young people in the country with a positive social impact. For its 11th edition, three young leaders were rewarded for their dedication and social influence in their respective communities.
In 2014, at the heart of the renewed conflict between the “Haute” and “Lower” Cité Soleil, Louino “Robi” Robillard, co-founder of Solèy Leve, launched the Prim Solèy Leve prize. This initiative aimed to encourage and recognize promising young leaders who, despite challenges, were mobilizing to bring about positive change. The award has three main objectives:
1. Ensure that the young people honored understand that people recognize them for their actions
2. Inspire other young people to follow the path of the winners.
3. Fight the stigmatization of Cité Soleil. The stereotype of young people in Cité Soleil is that they are criminals or gangsters, that they have little to contribute to society. This award was a way to highlight young people who defy this stereotype and to highlight that young people in Cité Soleil have contributions to make not only to their neighborhoods, but to Haïti as a whole.
Each year, 4 to 5 young people are selected from numerous candidates according to criteria:
- The person/organization must be actively living or working in Haiti.
- The person/organization must be a positive role model for other young people.
- The work of this person/organization must have a positive impact in the community.
- The work of this person/organization must be an example of collaboration and participation, in the spirit of konbit.
- The person/organization must receive external assistance, but the activities for which they are honored must be based primarily on local resources and assets.
- This person should not be a already “successful” leader who is well known for their work. It should be a leader that few people know about, but who does positive work that everyone should know about.
- This work must last at least two years and reflect the values of peace and social change.
- The person/organization must not be actively involved in political campaigns.
ANN KREYE is a platform dedicated to training and support for the creation and management of businesses. Their mission is to inspire and train many young people to help them launch projects with solid knowledge and effective strategies. Their vision is to contribute to the emergence of thousands of companies and startups in Haiti, with the ambitious objective of creating at least 1000 companies in 10 years.
- Davidson Beaubrun, Baskètbòl Program Manager for Ankadre Lajenès
Baskètbòl pou Ankadre Lajenès (BAL) is a non-profit organization using basketball as an education and mentoring tool for Haitian youth. In addition to basketball, BAL offers educational and cultural activities aimed at fully developing the talents and abilities of young people. The program operates in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of Cité Soleil and Martissant in Port-au-Prince.
- Junior Thermidor, Executive Director of IMPACT-E
IMPACT-E is a social organization that campaigns for the inclusion of every child and young person in the local development process, by promoting education and active citizenship. The organization specializes in supporting solidarity projects, education for all, and local and environmental development, convinced that development relies as much on human support as on infrastructure.
Honorees typically receive an award plaque at a public ceremony to recognize their contributions. Although there is no cash prize, sometimes generous individuals and organizations provide practical gifts to winners (such as tools or scholarships for English classes) to help them continue and to strengthen their work. This public recognition and concrete support aims to encourage young leaders to persevere in their efforts to improve their communities.
A Lasting Impact
Louino Robillard, initiator of PPC, is delighted to see this initiative recognize more than a dozen impactful young people in their community. He hopes that this award will continue to motivate young people to get involved in improving their environment. Organizers are pleased with the success of the program and encourage other young Haitians to get involved.
With PRIM POU CHANJMAN, hope and optimism shine through the achievements of these young leaders, inspiring an entire generation to contribute positively to Haitian society.
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About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain
Appolon Guy Alain
Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.
First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.
Natural beauty
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Heritage
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culture
Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.
