Free, Educate, and Empower Girls in Haiti

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the streets of Ka Blèz in the community of Lavano, Jakmèl, came alive with energy, music, and a profound sense of shared purpose. 

Local residents officially came together to launch the Power to Girls initiative, kicking off a major movement for safety and equality in their region. The effort combines three community-driven programs—SASA! Together, Power to Girls, and Safe and Capable—to demand safety, equity, and self-determination for every girl while encouraging them to play an active role in neighborhood life.

The atmosphere in the streets was electric—a vibrant celebration of Haitian community strength and unity. Neighbors took to the streets in a massive parade, walking side by side with signs promoting non-violence and children's rights, sharing local artwork, dancing to lively brass bands, and performing traditional dances.

What made this milestone so special was that it was designed, organized, and led entirely by local residents. A dedicated team of 43 community leaders—including 10 mentors, 22 local activists, and 11 community representatives—guided the event from concept to completion. All ten Girls Club mentors actively participated in the day's events, with one mentor even taking the stage to deliver an inspiring keynote speech.

Program Coordinator Marie Madeleine Pierre Georges was right there alongside them, giving live interviews to local Haitian news outlets like Canal 1ère Media TV while joining in the dancing as residents celebrated. Speaking directly to reporters amidst the crowd, Madeleine shared the heart of this movement:

"This work gives adolescent girls and young women the freedom to build their independence and leadership skills so they can become true leaders in their neighborhoods. We are rallying every single community member to build a safer, stronger environment where our girls can truly thrive."

The highlight of the day belonged to 104 young girls from five neighboring areas who took center stage to perform in dance, song, and traditional games. Their creativity and leadership were celebrated with six special awards presented to five outstanding young participants.

By organizing from the ground up and standing up against all forms of violence, the Power to Girls movement ensures that young women aren't just watching their community’s future unfold—they are shaping it. 

Experience the joy, the march, the performances, and the vibrant community atmosphere firsthand! You can watch a video montage of photos and scenes from the launch day using the link below.

Additional Community Highlights (April – June 2026)

Girls' Clubs & Community Outreach

• Empowering Young Girls: Maintained 10 safe Girls' Clubs across 5 neighborhoods for nearly 400 participants, while holding creative hands-on art workshops for 24 young women and 6 mentors to build confidence and economic self-reliance.
• Mobilizing Families & Leaders: Reached hundreds of neighbors through home visits and community meetings, while training 13 religious leaders and 8 couples in practical violence-prevention strategies.

Schools & Local Partnerships

• Building Safer Classrooms: Trained 34 school staff members and 8 subject teachers to integrate girl-empowerment topics into daily schedules, while forming an 11-member safety committee to oversee student protection.
• Strengthening Local Coalitions: Partnered with a government human rights agency -The Office of Citizen Protection (OPC), trained 19 local leaders in project management, and helped a network of 15 women's groups gain official recognition from the Mayor's Office.
• Supporting Regional Partners: Completed a two-week technical guidance trip to Kampèren to support our partner organization, COFHED, as they mentor 16 Girls' Clubs (serving 330 girls) and 36 community activists.

Your support is so much more than a gift—it is a vital bridge of solidarity. Thanks to your belief in this mission, grassroots leaders and mentors are directly equipped with the real resources and safe spaces they need to stand alongside adolescent girls as they challenge injustice and claim their power.

Thank you for standing in solidarity with the people of Lavano as they build their own path forward!

Links:

• Link to watch a highlights video from Launch day in Lavano