HIV/AIDS remains a major threat to public health, especially among young people in Haiti. Faced with this reality, LEAD-ACADEMY, an organization founded in December 2020 by Dwinny Belval, has committed itself through the project “KANPAY SANSIBILIZASYON POU GOUMEN KONT VIH/SIDA” (“Awareness Campaign to Combat HIV/AIDS”). This initiative, launched as part of World HIV/AIDS Day, aims to mobilize Carrefour schoolchildren and promote responsible behavior in the face of this epidemic.
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LEAD-ACADEMY is dedicated to the training and intellectual awakening of young Haitians, guiding them towards holistic development to transform them into responsible leaders. With a vision of sustainable development, this organization focuses on awareness and action to address major issues, such as the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The KSPGKS initiative was marked by two major activities: a launch conference and an awareness campaign in secondary schools in Carrefour.
A. Launch Conference (December 1, 2024)
The conference was held at the Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center and brought together nearly 100 participants from various backgrounds. Two speakers, Dr. Schaïdhen Chery and Dr. Frantz Bernadin, respectively discussed medical advances and the role of communities in combating stigma. Guests included representatives from the Carrefour City Hall and local figures, accompanied by a musical performance by the artist Loupens Privert.
B. School Awareness Campaign (December 2-6, 2024)
Interactive sessions were organized for secondary school students. Led by health personnel and experts, these activities included discussions on prevention, demonstrations on the use of condoms and lubricants, and the distribution of educational brochures. In total, more than 300 young people were reached.
According to Christian Mouala, Director of UNAIDS, HIV/AIDS infections are experiencing a worrying increase among young Haitians aged 15 to 24. This increase is exacerbated by the intensification of gang activities and a lack of accurate information. Persistent stigma and misinformation are major obstacles to prevention and care.
Faced with these challenges, KSPGKS was designed to:
- Break the taboos surrounding HIV/AIDS.
- Promote responsible behavior.
- Educate young people on means of prevention and access to care.
- Direct impact: More than 300 young schoolchildren made aware in five days.
- Change in posture: A better understanding of the issues related to HIV/AIDS and an increased interest in screening.
- Strengthening collaborations: Partnerships established with schools and local/international organizations.
This project was made possible thanks to the support of several institutions and individuals, including:
- Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center
- Carrefour City Hall
- FOSREF
- U-report by UNICEF
- Various schools
- Project ambassadors
- Various health professionals and local organizations.
KSPGKS is a powerful example of how community initiatives can transform mindsets and encourage responsible behavior. By mobilizing young people and establishing strategic partnerships, LEAD-ACADEMY demonstrates that the fight against HIV/AIDS is a key priority for Haiti’s future.
To learn more or collaborate with LEAD-ACADEMY, contact:
Dwinny Belval (Chief Executive Officer)
Email: dwinnyobelval@gmail.com
Phone: +509 4749-5132
Website: https://leadacademyul.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haitiwonderland
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@haitiwonderland
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Twitter : https://twitter.com/haitiwonderland
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/haitiwonderland/
Haiti, an island located in the Caribbean, is not geographically or politically attached to Africa. However, despite the distance and geographical differences, Haïti and Africa share an extremely strong historical, cultural and spiritual bond, forged by centuries of shared history, including the slave trade, colonization and the struggle for freedom. So, is Haïti part of Africa? Let’s explore this question from different angles, highlighting the African roots that shape Haïti to this day.
Nestled in the southeast of Haiti, Belle-Anse is a destination that fascinates with its natural beauty and rich history. This small town, still often ignored by major tourist routes, is full of treasures that deserve to be discovered. Its wild beaches, its imposing mountains and its unique historical heritage make Belle-Anse a hidden pearl, ready to seduce travelers in search of authenticity and tranquility. Belle-Anse, founded in the 18th century, still bears the traces of its past. Its history, marked by changes of names and identity, bears witness to the political and social upheavals that have given the region. From the colonial era to the birth of the Republic, each corner of the city tells a part of the history of Haiti. This rich past is combined with a vibrant cultural life, where local festivals, such as the celebration of the Patron Saint every December 10, offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants. The historical remains scattered throughout the city are not only a reminder of the era of colonization, but also of the struggles for independence. These witnesses of the past, combined with a calm and preserved atmosphere, make Belle-Anse a place where history and nature intertwine harmoniously. What distinguishes Belle-Anse is undoubtedly its spectacular natural environment. Ultimately, these beaches before the deserts invite you to relax. Lagan Beach, lined with palm trees and crystal clear waters, offers an idyllic setting for lovers of wild nature, far from the crowds of more frequent tourist destinations. The nearby Bay of Jacmel is a true natural bliss, promising moments of calm and escape. The city is also surrounded by majestic mountains, ideal for those who wish to explore the Haitian landscapes on foot, while discovering a unique biodiversity. While Belle-Anse’s natural resources are rich, they are also fragile, and preserving these areas remains an important issue for the future of the region.
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As the new season of Rara looms on the horizon, certain groups such as Saint Jacques Majeur, Ratyèfè, Florida Band, Lambi Grand, and Grap Kenèp are already preparing to light up the streets of Petit-Goâve with their flamboyant costumes and their captivating melodies. For these groups, the future looks bright, promising a season full of passion and success. However, other rara bands are still hesitant about which direction to take. Despite these uncertainties, optimism reigns regarding the success of this new season for all rara groups in the commune of Petit-Goâve. Rara, anchored in the Vodou tradition, is much more than a simple artistic manifestation. It embodies the very essence of Haitian culture, highlighting questions of memory, tradition and identity. This increasingly popular form of artistic expression attracts a large audience and arouses unprecedented enthusiasm. Groups like Ratyèfè, Grap Kenèp, Florida Band and Chenn Tamaren, recognized for their ability to delight their fans, play a crucial role in the continued growth of rara in the town. The rara season traditionally begins on Dead Thursday and ends on the night of Easter Sunday or quasimodo Monday. To mark the beginning of this sacred period, groups organize opening ceremonies, honoring the spirits of the deceased in rituals steeped in spirituality. These ceremonies, often held in cemeteries or in the "Bitasyons" of groups, symbolize the deep link between the rara and Vodou traditions.
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.
The "Letter to My Favorite Author" contest is a joint initiative by CSmon Publishing, a publishing house based in Virginia, USA, and the Port-au-Prince Book Fair. The contest aims to create a platform where young literature enthusiasts can express their affection and admiration for the authors who have impacted their lives through a letter dedicated to them. This letter can be written in Haitian Creole or French by any young person aged 18 to 30 living in Haiti. The author to whom the letter is addressed can be Haitian or foreign, and even from the medieval period. The contest began on January 27, with registration closing on that date, and will continue until April 15, when the prizes will be awarded. The awards, which are 75,000 gourdes for the winner, 50,000 gourdes for the second place, and 25,000 gourdes for third place, will be presented during the event "Living in Prose and Poetry," organized annually by the Port-au-Prince Book Fair, to be held in 2025 at the French Institute in Haiti.
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.
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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.
