Haïti, a rich and impoverished country

Haïti et son Rôle Pionnier dans l’Abolition de l’Esclavage Mondial

For centuries, the institution of slavery has darkened human history, leaving behind a legacy of pain, oppression and the struggle for freedom. However, in this dark tale, one nation stands out for its courage and determination to break the chains of oppression: Haiti. Located in the Caribbean, Haïti played a pioneering role in the abolition of slavery, laying the foundation for the fight for freedom and equality around the world. The history of slavery in Haïti dates back to the arrival of Europeans on the island, which was then called Santo Domingo, in the 15th century. French colonists quickly established an economy based on sugar and coffee production, cruelly exploiting millions of African slaves deported to work on plantations. However, this brutal system engendered fierce resistance from slaves, whose fight for freedom ultimately led to one of the most significant revolutions in history. In 1791, under the leadership of iconic figures such as Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe, Haitian slaves rose up against their oppressors in an unprecedented rebellion. This revolt resulted in a war of independence that lasted more than a decade, but ultimately resulted in the proclamation of Haiti’s independence in 1804, making that country the first post-colonial nation ruled by people from slavery. The impact of the Haitian Revolution on the abolition of slavery worldwide cannot be overstated. By breaking the chains of oppression and proclaiming their independence, Haitians have sent a powerful message to all oppressed peoples around the world: freedom is possible, and it is worth the struggle. The example of Haïti inspired other movements for the abolition of slavery in the Americas and beyond, thus helping to shake the very foundations of the institution of slavery. Haiti’s participation in the fight against slavery was not limited to its territory; it also extended to external actions where Haitian men were sent or actively participated in movements for the abolition of slavery in other regions of the world. For example, Haitian President Alexandre Pétion supported Simón Bolívar, the leader of the South American revolution, by providing him with weapons, money and even men, which contributed to the liberation of several countries in America Latin of colonial domination. Haïti also provided support for independence movements in Central America. Haitian fighters, led by General Jean-Pierre Boyer, helped Venezuelan patriots fight against Spanish rule, contributing to the liberation of that region. The Haitian government financially and diplomatically supported movements for the abolition of slavery in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico, contributing to the gradual eradication of this institution throughout the region. Although Haïti did not directly participate in the American Civil War, many Haitians and descendants of Haitians played crucial roles in the abolitionist movement in the United States. Figures who were of Haitian origin or of Haitian ancestry, were important voices in the fight against slavery and for equal rights in the United States. The legacy of the Haitian Revolution remains a symbol of resistance and courage for future generations. Today, as the world continues to struggle against injustice and oppression in various forms, Haiti’s history reminds us that the fight for freedom is a universal fight, one that transcends borders and times. Haiti’s participation in the abolition of slavery throughout the world remains a crucial chapter in the history of humanity. Through their courage and determination, Haitians have paved the way for a future where freedom and equality are inalienable rights for all.

Carrefour: Kay Jèn Yo s’ouvre aux enfants

Dans le cadre du programme de promotion des droits et de l’épanouissement de l’enfant "Timoun se moun" piloté par l’organisation Action Communautaire de Transformation et d’Intégration Formelle (ACTIF), Kay Jèn Yo organise, du 18 au 24 août 2025 (9h am - 1h pm), "Espas Lajwa", un camp d’été qui cible trente (30) enfants de 7 à 15 ans. Une grande panoplie d’activités éducatives, créatives et ludiques sont programmées pour le plus grand bien des enfants. Ils auront droit à des ateliers de : peinture, crochet, macramé, langue des signes, théãtre, lecture, échec, etc. Dans un contexte aussi traumatogène où la violence est monnaie courante, de telles initiaves sont d’une importance capitale. " Les enfants ne sont pas imperméables au stress et autres pathologies que peut provoquer la situation morbide qui sévit dans le pays actuellement", souligne Blondy Wolf Leblanc (Gabynho) DG a.i de ACTIF. "Espace Lajwa se veut donc, un refuge, un lieu où les enfants peuvent s’exprimer en toute sécurité, un espace sécurisant où ils peuvent exprimer leurs émotions à travers plusieurs médiums", précise-t-il. Plus loin, l’animateur socioculturel encourage d’autres structures à travers le pays à prendre des initiatives de ce genre au bénéfice de la santé mentale des enfants. Espas Lajwa est quasiment gratuit. Un frais de participation de 150 gourdes est requis pour la semaine. Quid Kay Jèn Yo Issu du projet "Pran Swen Tèt ou", Kay Jèn Yo est un projet de l’organisation ACTIF supporté par La Perfection École de Haute Couture visant à combattre la violence par l’engagement communautaire à travers des programmes de formation professionnelle et artistique. Situé au numéro 18, imp. Thoby, rue Desdunes, Mahotière 79, Kay Jèn Yo est ouvert du lundi au dimanche (9h am - 6h pm). Sebastien Jean Michel

Virtual Tour Service for Airbnb, Hotels and Restaurants in Haiti

In the competitive world of the travel and hospitality industry, standing out is essential to attract customers and convince them to choose your property among a multitude of options. That’s where virtual tour services come in, providing an immersive experience that gives potential clients a realistic taste of what you have to offer. At the heart of this booming trend is Wonderland 360°, a division of Haïti Wonderland, specializing in creating high-end virtual tours for Airbnb, hotels, restaurants and other real estate businesses in Haiti.

Looking back at Dev Expo 2024: The Biggest Event for Haitian Developers

After two years of absence, Dev Expo made its big comeback in 2024, bringing a breath of enthusiasm and optimism to the Haitian tech community. This long-awaited event was officially announced on August 20, 2024 by Marc Alain Boucicault, CEO of Banj, triggering excitement in the tech community. Since the last edition, held in 2021, the following years had been marked by the cancellation of this flagship event due to the instability that reigned in the country. However, despite the many challenges still present, the organizers chose to take up the challenge of organizing this edition, demonstrating the resilience and commitment of the Haitian tech community.

Conference / Festival Quatre Chemins / 21st edition

The impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people in Port-au-Prince While writers, actors, dancers, poets, among others, have gratified us with their performances, the master’s degree student in psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences (FASCH), Lourdya Blaise, spoke with the audience about trauma. Structured around the theme "Youth and Trauma, analysis of the impact of collective and individual trauma on the personal development of young people living in Port-au-Prince between 2010-2024", this conference gave rise to enriching discussions. During this meeting, moderated by Michaël Formilus, Ms. Blaise showed how the events that have taken place in the country have caused cases of trauma among Haitians. According to the student, citing the American Psychological Association, we speak of trauma as a consequence of trauma. The latter is explained by the fact that we feel threatened, whether it is the person in question or their loved ones. However, she specifies that a collective trauma remains depending on the impact that the event has on the individual. To illustrate her remarks, she mentioned the earthquake of January 12, 2010, considered a collective trauma, insofar as it still occupies our minds. This tragedy reminds us of the disappearance of our loved ones and enormous losses. This is the case of a trauma that becomes a collective trauma. For the student, it should be emphasized that when an event occurs, some people are traumatized and others are not. According to him, the violence of armed gangs is not perceived in the same way, says Ms. Blaise. There are people who have fled their homes but are not traumatized. In fact, some people see traumatic situations as a passing event, she says. The speaker also spoke about collective trauma, which, according to him, preoccupies the mind, even if we no longer experience it. It manifests itself in several forms: lack of sleep, fear psychosis, intrusive thoughts, intense heartbeat, etc. Generally, symptoms related to trauma are hard to die. When it persists, it becomes acute stress. To deal with it, we must talk to other people. If the situation persists, acute stress turns into a phase of post-traumatic stress; in this case, we must confide in a trusted person or go see a mental health specialist, she advises. In her presentation, Lourdya Bazile also drew attention to the psychological state of children in these times. According to the presenter, children are also facing this crisis situation, even if they do not talk about it to their parents. As much as adults, children also plan their future. Faced with flouted school years, they become pensive and worried, she stressed. They withdraw. The child who used to be brilliant can become violent and perform less well at school. Parents are called upon to listen to them and understand them. A good moment of exchange, rich in practical advice. The audience participated fully. In turn, the presenter invites them to breathe better and meditate. "We live in a country where worries mix, we must take time for ourselves, do sports, eat well, make sure that the sleeping space is clean and take time for ourselves. There is more than one way to find calm," recalls the psychologist. Gertrude Jean-Louis

Tech Archive: Haitian Websites and Apps Launched in 2024

The year 2024 has been marked by the launch of many Haitian-created websites and mobile applications, projects that not only demonstrate the ingenuity of Haitian digital creators, but also their deep love for Haiti. Here is an overview of the most remarkable projects, symbols of Haitian ingenuity and creativity.