10 Typical Haitian Drinks and Desserts to Absolutely Savor

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

The festival Haïti Monde: When Culture Becomes an Act of Reparation

The Haïti Monde Festival is a major cultural event dedicated to promoting Haitian thought, memory, and creativity in the heart of Paris. Led for several years by Haitian intellectual Chadrac Charles and his team, it aims to be a space for expression, transmission, and reflection. In 2025, this fourth edition is organized around a theme that is more relevant than ever: “Repairing the World,” and will take place from June 25 to July 11 in the French capital. Gaël Octavia, winner of the 2025 Goncourt Prize for the short story, will be the guest of honor. Alongside her, other friends of the Haitian cause and powerful voices from the Haitian literary scene will be gathered. Among them: geographer Jean-Marie Théodat, Louis-Philippe Dalembert, Rocé, Mélissa Laveaux, Marie-Yemta Moussanang, Makenzy Orcel, Françoise Vergès, Lyonel Trouillot, Nicolas Idier, Nathania Périclès, Vladimir Delva, Sandra Dessalines, Claude Saturne, Kébert Bastien, Jude Joseph... and many others. A tribute will also be paid to Frankétienne and Anthony Phelps, two giants of Haitian literature who passed away this year.

Haitian Cuisine: Carnival Beignets Recipe! (Benyen Kanaval!)

It’s Carnival time! Instead of lamenting the traditions that are disappearing, let’s recreate some memories in your kitchen during this festive season by making beignets! "Benyen kanaval"!

Launch in Haiti: The “Zanmi Lanati Club” is committed to the climate

At the initiative of students Savela Jacques Berenji and Louino Robillard, the first two Haitians to have integrated the diploma program initiated by “SUNX, Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) and the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), the “ Club Zanmi Lanati” was officially launched on Saturday July 13, 2024, in Haiti, in Delmas 66. More than thirty young people took part in the initiative whose objective, among other things, is to combat climate change, promote responsible tourism, train citizens (ecological tourists) and encourage the creation of tourist and cultural wealth for sustainable development, according to the initiators.

Smartcore Express: A reliable solution for receiving your packages from the United States to Haiti

Receive your packages from the United States stress-free, without a credit card, even in difficult times! Waiting for a package from the United States can quickly turn into a nightmare in Haiti: thefts, delays, blocked or lost packages... Lorvenson Don Pierre has experienced these situations. But instead of giving up, this talented young developer decided to take action. He founded Smartcore Express, a simple, reliable, and secure solution to allow all Haitians to receive their packages from the United States, hassle-free.

Emeline Michel, the diva of Haitian music

Emeline Michel was born on March 21, 1966 in Dubedou, a small town located in the 5th communal section of Gonaïves, the city of Haitian independence. Both a singer and composer, today her influence transcends and goes beyond the borders of Haïti and the French-speaking world. After starting secondary studies at the Lycée Louis Diaquoi commonly known as the Lycée de jeunes filles des Gonaïves, she entered Port-au-Prince, at one point, to continue her studies at the Collège St Pierre de Port-au-Prince. It was in the Haitian capital, more precisely at the Baptiste de Bolosse church, that her talent was discovered and supported by religious leaders, who offered her scholarships to study music. It is his steps that will be the basis of his exceptional musical career, placing his name among the proudest Haitians and alongside the greatest names in Haitian music, such as Lionel Benjamin, Beethova Obas and Yole Dérose his mentor.