The KOJES Jèn Soley Festival: A Place for Cultural Exchange and Encounters
KOJES is a non-profit youth association founded in November 2020 in Cité Soleil, the largest slum in Haïti and the Caribbean. From its inception, KOJES has been committed to promoting education, culture, and training through various initiatives. One of its flagship projects is a space for social and cultural debate that has allowed many young people to meet and discuss social issues. Although the clashes that resumed in Cité Soleil in September 2022 temporarily halted this section, KOJES was able to recover by launching the KOJES letter-writing competition, aimed at reestablishing this precious connection between young people through literature. Today, the association is embarking on a new challenge with the Jèn Soley Festival, which will take place from September 20 to 22, 2025, under the evocative theme: "Saying to Exist." Among the guests participating in this festival are the renowned Lyonel Trouillot, the talented poet Carl Henry Burrin, the young slam poet Pacôme Emmanuel, the novelist Louis Bernard Henry, the poet Inima Jeudi, and the young poet Adlyne Bonhomme.
Why another literary festival in the Haitian cultural landscape?
"In a constantly evolving cultural environment, there is always room for new initiatives," writer Litainé Laguerre, coordinator of the association, told us. He also affirmed that the KOJES 2025 Festival aims to create a space for encounters and sharing around literature, while emphasizing the importance of artistic expression in a society in crisis. "This festival is distinguished not only by its commitment to including writers from diverse regions, but also by the launch of the Gran Pri KOJES, an award designed to honor a writer for their complete work. This event will highlight the importance of Haitian literature in an increasingly difficult context, while providing a platform for young talent," he concluded.
Organizing a large-scale event in a context as uncertain as Haiti’s is a major challenge. However, KOJES firmly believes that art and culture are essential to human life. Despite the successive crises affecting the country, the association wanted to provide a space where everyone can express themselves through dance, writing, reading, and drawing workshops, particularly for the children of Cité Soleil. The festival thus becomes an act of cultural resistance, a way of demonstrating that, even in adversity, culture can and must survive.
Call for Public Collaboration
KOJES invites the public to actively participate in the festival, not as mere spectators, but as collaborators. The goal is to create a collective dynamic where every voice counts. The public, essential to the success of the event, is invited to be at the heart of this gathering, to exchange, discuss, and get involved in the association’s cultural project.
The first edition of the KOJES 2025 Festival benefits from the support of several institutions such as the Haitian Energy Institute, C3 Éditions, Atelier Jeudi Soir, Éditions de l’Université d’État d’Haïti, Segoum, Éditions Pwotra haitiwonderland, and the École des Médias. Despite the current economic and political difficulties, KOJES remains optimistic about the success of this event and hopes that more institutions will join the initiative in future editions.
In short, this Festival led by KOJES is not a gesture too many in a Port-au-Prince plagued by all sorts of ills. It aims to offer a measure of healing to the major wounds that plague the city. It is yet another demonstration of the true power of words in a hostile environment; it is also a testament to the resilience of young people determined to promote culture and their clear boldness in favor of literature as a factor in creating life. They clearly believe that art is a serious means with the power to offer everyone the opportunity to use words to affirm their existence.
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.
