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10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Haiti

Haïti is a fascinating nation, rich in history, culture, and mysteries. Although often overlooked or reduced to stereotypes, it is full of unique facts that testify to its essential role in world history and its natural treasures. Here are 10 surprising facts about Haïti that you may not know.

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

MEET GALA in Cap-Haïtien: A Dazzling Evening of Fashion

On Sunday, June 16, 2024, the historic city of Cap-Haïtien was the scene of an extraordinary event: A gala in the heart of the city, a fashion evening and a dazzling parade captivated the attention of locals and visitors , marking an unforgettable moment in the region’s cultural and fashion calendar.

Csimon Publishing Takes a New Step Toward Young Haitian Authors

The publishing house Csimon Publishing, led by Dr. Cherlin Simon, is excited to announce the creation of a subsidiary of Csimon Publishing in Haiti. Indeed, a management team, aimed at strengthening its approach to young Haitian authors, has been set up by the parent company, located in Virginia, United States. The goal of this initiative is to better support its authors, particularly the younger ones, offering them reliable assistance to foster their creativity and help them thrive. The committee is also in place to better coordinate the publishing house’s actions in their favor. This aligns perfectly with Csimon Publishing’s vision to actively contribute to the elevation of Haitian literary culture on a global scale, while highlighting Haitian talents and creating a bridge between Haïti and the rest of the world, which constitutes global culture. It is worth noting that among the more than 150 works already published by Csimon, most are works by Haitian authors living in Haiti.

Nanm Vodoua brings forth the fire of Ogou Feray at the French Institute

One year after the release of their album “TRAVÈSE”, the group Nanm Vodou continues to trace its musical path with passion and authenticity. With the valuable support of the French Institute in Haiti, Nanm Vodou presented the concert “Yon lane pou Travèse” on Thursday July 18, 2024, to mark the start of the summer festivities. Fans of Haitian music and culture experienced a captivating evening, where the rhythms of drums and sacred chants resonated with spiritual intensity.

JO 2024 : Haiti, ranked 3rd among the most elegant outfits according to Forbes

As the 2024 Olympic Games were launched this Friday, July 26, Paris vibrated to the rhythm of artistic performances and parades of more than 200 delegations from around the world. Among these delegations, Haïti stood out with an Olympic uniform that attracted international attention, ranking third in the top 10 most elegant uniforms, according to Forbes.