A resilient spirit

Our experiences in Haïti have been incredible, even in the face of the devastation and tragedy that the country has suffered. The friendly, smiling faces that greet us, and the enduring spirit of the people, make every trip and every effort profoundly rewarding. A beautiful country of approximately 11 million people (World Bank, 2017), Haïti was originally inhabited by the Taíno people, who called the island Ayiti, meaning “high grounds”. Its rugged terrain is made up of stunning mountain ranges scattered with small coastal plains and river valleys. In 1804, after a slave rebellion against the French, Haïti became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the first Black-led republic in the world.

Despite its strong, vibrant culture and wealth of natural beauty, Haïti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest countries in the world. Nearly 58.5 percent of the population live below the national poverty line (UNdata, 2012). Many people struggle to grow enough food to feed their families and are plagued by deadly waterborne illnesses.

Haiti by the numbers

21.6%
21.6%

Children aged 5-14 who are engaged in economic activity (ILO, 2012)

400K
400K

Live below the national poverty line (UNdata, 2012)

60.7%
60.7%

The literacy rate (age 15 and above) (CIA World Factbook, 2015)

Every dollar you donate helps us help a community in India
Every dollar you donate helps us help a community in India

Every dollar you donate helps us empower a community in Haiti

Our work in Haiti

Our history in Haïti dates back to 1999, expanding to full WE Villages programming in 2010. Focusing our efforts in the most rural and underdeveloped area of the country, the Central Plateau region, we work in six rural communities in the mountains outside of Port-au-Prince to:

  • Remove obstacles and improve access to quality education for rural children
  • Ensure that rural populations have access to essential services like water and health care, allowing them to sustain themselves in the countryside.
  • Promote rural community development and support efforts that prevent Port au Prince from becoming a concentrated hub.
  • Help Haiti realize its goal of universal education.
  • In January 2010, when the 7.0 earthquake struck, WE Villages immediately responded with a strategy focused on protecting children and supporting the population of internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly those who relocated to the Central Plateau.

Our Pillars of Impact

In every country where WE Villages operates, we tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of the communities we work with, while still adhering to our five Pillars of Impact. Read how these have been implemented in Haïti.

Inspired to make an impact?

WE Stories: Read. Watch. Get Inspired.

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GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Inspiring a School
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GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
Goat that gives