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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

Melchie Daëlle Dumornay, a Haitian Star Among the Elite of World Football

Melchie Daëlle Dumornay is a professional Haitian footballer who plays in the first division of the French women’s league. She was born in Haiti, in a mid-sized town called Mirebalais, on August 17, 2003. At just 21 years old, she has become the only Haitian personality, regardless of gender or category, to be nominated among the 30 candidates for the prestigious individual award that is the France Football Ballon d’Or. Indeed, the 21-year-old finds herself — unsurprisingly — on the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, alongside some of the biggest names in world football, after an exceptional season both individually — scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in just 31 matches — and collectively. She reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (where she was named best player of the 2024-2025 season) and won the French league title with her Lyon teammates.

Zoom on Pierry Denejour, on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of DEP-ARTS.

In a town struck by insecurity and economic problems, where survival becomes a daily struggle, some refuse to give in to chaos. In Carrefour, a city plunged into the spiral of violence that eats away at all signs of life, Pierry Denejour embodies this spirit of resistance. Aged around thirty, the native of Port-au-Prince is not only a merchant. The only son of Evena Denejour – a "Marijàn" whose name he proudly bears –, the entrepreneur has transformed his love for art into a passion that lights up his life. A collector of paintings on canvas, he is also the founder of DEP-ARTS Production Multi-Services, a company he launched on December 2, 2018, which is now celebrating six years of active presence in the Carrefour community. Specializing in the sale of electronic equipment, MonCash and NatCash services among others, DEP-ARTS has built a solid reputation in six years. But beyond its commercial activities, it is through its ability to establish relationships of trust and support community initiatives that Pierry has established itself as a key player in its community. Under his leadership, DEP-ARTS is much more than a company: it is a symbol of hope in a town in search of renewal.

Diplomatic Fortnight: CEPOD’s plea for effective Haitian diplomacy

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the Center for Political and Diplomatic Studies, CEPOD, launched its Diplomatic Fortnight via a summit that took place at the Montana Hotel in Pétionville. The event took place under the theme of Haiti’s place in globalization, and in the presence of an audience of distinguished guests. consisting of public authorities such as the current Haitian Prime Minister, Dr. Garry Conille (Honorary President of the summit); his Minister Delegate for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Herwil Gaspard; Foreign diplomats, among whom we can cite the Canadian Ambassador, Mr. André François Giroux (Guest of Honor of the summit); Dr. Christian Mouala, Country Director of UNAIDS Haiti, and a group of other public figures (such as sociologist Daniel Supplice), members of the press, such as senior journalist, Rotchild François Junior and students of all kinds.

Carrefour | Kwen Pawòl Lib: towards the 19th exit

Kwen Pawòl Lib is preparing to start the new year in style. The nineteenth exit, the first of the year, is scheduled for this Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. at Caroline Bar, Mon Repos 38, Carrefour. This socio-cultural initiative, which aims to bring together people of all ages, offers a space for dialogue where participants can exchange and reflect on societal, environmental, etc. topics and issues. For this edition, Kwen Pawòl Lib will have the honor of welcoming a distinguished speaker: Gutenberg Destin. A psychologist by training, Gutenberg Destin is one of the instigators of Ribanbèl Timoun, a space dedicated to the well-being and relaxation of children. Sensitized to environmental issues, he is currently pursuing studies in geography at the University Institute of Sciences and leads numerous training courses for national and international institutions, including UNESCO, on risk and disaster management. Alongside Jean Rony Charles, who will moderate this 19th issue, the discussion will focus on the theme: "Natural disasters do not exist...". This meeting promises to be rich and essential, especially in a context where Haïti is among the most vulnerable countries facing environmental challenges. Come in large numbers! Author: Estriplet Millor Restitution of the content creation workshop: Carrefour, behind the scenes.

Beven brings Haïti among the elite of world slam

This Thursday, November 14, 2024, the young slam artist Youven Beaubrun, Beven by his stage name, qualified Haiti, for the very first time in its history, for the final of the Slam World Cup. This competition, which brings together the best slam artists on the planet, took place on African soil, more precisely in Togo. In a country held by the throat, a country that is dying from start to finish, under the dangerous feat of a certain armed part of its youth, Beven’s extraordinary performance in this competition resonates with the echo of a whole piece of the country, in the thirst for beauty. Beven is the symbol of a youth that refuses to give in to the chaos that surrounds the face of its motherland. Art, slam being his field of specialization, is used in the best possible way to make hope resonate. And to continue to believe that a country that made 1804 cannot afford the luxury of sinking so hard in the face of human history. "It is with pride that I advanced in this competition. Especially with the crisis that is going through the country at the moment. My qualification for the final is an eternal sign of hope, which confirms the fact that not everything in this country will end in death," the young slammer told us before going to compete in the final. The final took place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, where Beven had his chance to represent his wounded land well on the doorstep of a world victory, a victory that if it had taken place, would have been initialed in the name of an entire people, in the absolute race against a great chaos that dreams only of suffocating it. Although he failed to win this cup (finishing in sixth place overall), the Haitian slam champion had time to inspire an entire country during his great journey in this competition. This is only a postponement, next time victory will be achieved for sure.

Living in prose and poetry: A successful bet for the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince

On Saturday, July 27, the Pyepoudre cultural center, located at number 312 on the road to Bourdon, was transformed into a real creative hive thanks to the initiative of the Cultural Association Salon du Livre de Port-au-Prince entitled ’’Living in prose and poetry’’. This event, placed under the theme "from Haiti, a country that lives in us", fully kept its promises. Bringing together young talents from all walks of life to express their genius through song, rap, slam, dance and poetry. This artistic event was a great success with a young audience who came in large numbers to follow the activity. It also highlighted the growing commitment of Haitian youth to culture.

KSPGKS: An Innovative Campaign to Raise Awareness Among Young People Against HIV/AIDS

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.

A Journey to the Heart of Pre-Columbian Heritage: A Look Back at the Arawak, Tainos, Ciboney Survival Event

On December 5, 2024, the Emmanuel Charlemagne Municipal Cultural Center opened its doors for an unforgettable day dedicated to the history and memory of the pre-Columbian peoples of Haïti and the Caribbean. Entitled "Arawak, Tainos, Ciboney Survival", this cultural initiative brought together enthusiasts, researchers and the curious in an atmosphere rich in discoveries and emotions.