contact@haitiwonderland.com+509 36184317

Discover

Shopping Cart

Francophone Youth Parliament: A Key Institution for Bringing Together Francophone Youth
Francophone Youth Parliament: A Key Institution for Bringing Together Francophone Youth
Francophone Youth Parliament: A Key Institution for Bringing Together Francophone Youth

Francophone Youth Parliament: A Key Institution for Bringing Together Francophone Youth

The Francophone Youth Parliament (PFJ) is an entity of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), which itself is part of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Established in 1999 during the Moncton Summit in Canada, this parliament for Francophone youth provides a genuine opportunity to forge connections among young people from the Francophone world. This real platform for debate and advocacy allows young people to have their voices heard and actively participate in shaping the future of La Francophonie. The body meets sequentially, with young people from almost all Francophone backgrounds gathering at each edition to discuss contemporary issues affecting global youth, such as precariousness, a lack of faith in democracy, characterized by a high number of young people abstaining from elections, a lack of civic engagement, the fight against inequalities, climate change, and even the impact of social media on youth. It is important to note that although the decisions made during these meetings are not legally binding, they remain powerful tools to describe the real will and needs of youth in the Francophone space, with the aim of facilitating actions by leaders.

Summary

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

The Francophone Unity

According to one of the two spokespersons for the PFJ, Mr. Corentin Melchior, who represents Belgium within the institution, the Francophone Youth Parliament meets every two years for a general assembly with young people from all over the Francophone world. For example, during the 10th edition of the parliament in 2024, no fewer than 80 young people from over 40 countries or sections participated in debates and created concrete resolutions on crucial issues. While this does not represent half of the OIF members, it still constitutes the largest gathering of Francophone youth for that year. Among the resolutions adopted, according to data collected by Mr. Melchior, there is one on the fight against youth precariousness, the regulation of social media influencers, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting the French language through education and culture.

The OIF, A Global Entity

The OIF, which now includes 88 member states and governments worldwide, is one of the largest international organizations, ranking second in terms of the number of member countries after the UN and well ahead of the Commonwealth. Promoting the French language and the values associated with it to increase its global influence remains its primary mission. While its main goal is to promote the French language and Francophone culture worldwide, the OIF is equally committed to sustainable development, democracy, and access to education for all. For this global vision to truly be inclusive, a closer relationship between the OIF and Francophone youth, particularly from countries facing great difficulties such as Lebanon and Haiti, is crucial, as Mr. Melchior pointed out.

Haïti
Haïti
Haïti

Haitian Youth and the Francophonie

Within the vast global network of the Francophonie, Haiti, despite being a major Francophone pillar in the Americas, is often marginalized in international discussions about the future of the French language and culture. Yet, isn’t Haïti one of the two largest Francophone strongholds in its hemisphere, alongside Quebec? And if we add the fact that Haïti is the only Francophone country in CARICOM (the Caribbean Community Common Market), it is clear that Haiti’s importance in the Francophone world is undeniable. Therefore, it is crucial for Haitian youth to be better integrated into global discussions on the Francophonie, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by strengthening the ties between the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and Haitian youth.

Indeed, while the OIF has an interest in reaching all of its branches, taking into account that Haïti is a vital branch of the Francophonie, Haitian youth has even more to gain by valuing their Francophone identity. And when the Francophonie fails to properly value Haiti, it certainly misses out on a precious advantage that a country with such a young population could bring to its noble mission of promoting the French language and democracy. In short, any major agreement between the PFJ and Haitian youth would benefit the entire Francophonie.

Indeed, Haitian youth, like those from other countries in the South and members of the OIF, have an interest in learning about the functioning of the Francophonie, and the PFJ could play a key role in this regard. For Haitian youth, knowing about initiatives like the PFJ is a golden opportunity to make their voices heard within the global community through this channel. More importantly, it is a space where Haitian youth can exchange ideas with their peers from other Francophone countries and build solutions together to face global challenges that transcend all borders.

The need to strengthen the ties between Haïti and the OIF, and by extension between Haitian youth and the PFJ, is now more urgent than ever. Access to information, technological support, training, and mobility are all areas that urgently require attention to fully involve Haitian youth in these international dialogues.

At a time when global challenges are multiplying, it is essential for youth to come together to face them collectively. Francophone youth, despite their diversity, share common issues: social inequalities, job insecurity, climate change, etc. In this context, Haitian youth must join their peers from other countries to have a significant influence in the discussions that will shape the future of Haiti. Thus, the Francophone Youth Parliament proves to be a unique opportunity for Haitian youth, as well as youth from other OIF member countries, to have their voices heard and actively contribute to expanding La Francophonie.

By strengthening ties between Haiti, Africa, and the OIF through its youth, the OIF invests in its future, in the real increase of its influence in the future, and this would allow the voice of Haitian youth to resonate more strongly on the international stage.

In conclusion, the smooth functioning of the PFJ, and the opportunities it offers, should be a priority for the OIF’s governing bodies as it offers prospects for encounters that can facilitate the union of Francophone youth forces, ensuring a more united and equitable future for the youth of the entire Francophonie.

Share
About the Author
Moise Francois
Moise Francois
Moise Francois

Journalist editor, poet and apprentice lawyer.

See other articles from Moise Francois
Corentin Melchior

Superbe article ! Très heureux d'avoir pu apporter ma pierre à l'édifice en tant que co porte-parole du Parlement Francophone des Jeunes. Plus que jamais, nous devons travailler de concert avec Haïti afin d'avoir une jeunesse francophone active et représentative !

February 07, 2025 - 02:23:10 PM
Leave a comment

Recently Posted

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

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.

Pity or the work of an old soul crushed under the weight of an absinthe-flavored existence

The word crisis carries an infinite number of meanings. No intention of revealing them all this afternoon. However, a few clarifications are necessary. A kid whose parents do not have enough money at Christmas to buy her a Little Black Mermaid doll has a fit and locks herself in her room without touching her meals for the day. A boy whose dog was suddenly poisoned by a neighbor in revenge or shot after contracting rabies, losing a faithful friend overnight, enters into crisis. Finally, a society in the grip of all sorts of mutations and whose leaders are weak, perhaps prolonged in a deep crisis. In the first case, the young girl sulks to attract the attention of her parents in order to feel appreciated by children her age at school or in the neighborhood. Today, thirty minutes of negotiations can be enough to find a lasting solution. In my day, a few well-aimed belt blows would have overcome this whim. But, humanity evolves, they say. In the second case, this boy can find his smile again after a few weeks. He needs a little attention and, probably, another dog. As Stendhal would say, only passion triumphs over passion. In the last case, this society led by inepts is shaken to its deep foundations. Its institutions can disintegrate one by one. The vital forces dissolve in no time. This situation creates a societal tsunami that destroys all life within this community. It is indeed a crisis. The crisis from this point of view constitutes an alarming, desperate situation in the existence of a community where nothing is going well. Chaos reigns supreme. The very essence of life disappears. The individual can take precedence over the community. Everyone tries to solve their problems without worrying about others. The closest neighbor is relegated light years away from you. How can we turn to creation? How can we continue to conceive of otherness? How can the artist absorb this great collective disarray as a source of motivation? These are the questions I must answer. An artist sees and feels what ordinary mortals cannot even imagine in a thousand-year life. He creates to denounce, when his conscience as a human being is revolted. He exalts heroes or the homeland according to his feelings. He sings the beauty of an irresistible, captivating or ugly resplendent woman. He can also use the ambient desolation to give meaning to life. Creating in literature as in the arts in general does not depend on the situation. The act of creation depends on the creator’s disposition. Events paralyze some and galvanize others. Creating is enjoyable. Everyone therefore enjoys according to their own whim. Writing opens the way to change. The writer takes a different look at the world. By embedding himself in reality, he embellishes it, makes it better or hideous depending on the message he intends to share. All things considered, with him, life is never fixed. Writing is putting the world in a jar to travel the universe. The artist broods over his work in all weathers. Oswald Durand was delighted to see Choucoune’s beautiful body from his secret observatory. Musset, on the other hand, was in pain writing his October night. As for Dany Laferrière, in exile, he described the horrors of the Duvalier dictatorship and the carefree attitude of the young girls in his neighborhood in this violent and dangerous world. Ultimately, the writer lives in a society with values ​​that he shares or not. They condition his existence or have no hold on him. In many ways, the surrounding world serves as his laboratory. He carries out his experiments there. He casts a new, worn, disillusioned, melancholic, violent, bitter look at the world depending on his mood. Pitié is the work of an old soul crushed under the weight of an existence that tastes of absinthe. Young Mike Bernard Michel lives by expedients and lies. The hands of life fall on him with indescribable violence. Misfortune embraces him day and night. Should we give up? Musset liked to say: "Man is an apprentice, pain is his master. And no one knows himself until he has suffered." The artist must produce under all skies. Such is his vocation. Incompetents in power, legal or highway bandits, the high cost of living, unemployment, heartaches are all subjects of concern for him. If it is true that a hungry belly has no ears, the fact remains that it keeps the brain awake. What am I saying, it stimulates it to the point of creating timeless works. Mr. Pitié, you have a bright future ahead of you. Work of Jean Rony Charles, the book is available from Éditions Repérage.

Recently Posted

History

History

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

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

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

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.

  • +
    • Post