Jean-Jacques Dessalines: The man who challenged slavery in its entirety.

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

Tourist places in Haiti

Haiti, a country located in the Caribbean, is an exceptional destination offering rich history, vibrant culture and magnificent landscapes. Here is a list of historical monuments and beautiful places to visit in Haïti to immerse yourself in this land full of treasures.

What Continent is Haïti on? A Geographical Exploration of This Caribbean Island

Haïti is a small country located in the Caribbean, but what continent is it actually on? Although Haïti is often associated with tropical islands and paradise vacation destinations, its geographical location makes it a key part of the American continent. Let’s explore Haiti’s geographical location and its relationships with other nations in the Americas.

Geography of Haiti: Landforms, climate and natural regions.

Haiti, an independent republic since 1804, is a country located in the Caribbean, precisely in the Gulf of Mexico. Occupying the eastern part of an island that it shares with the Dominican Republic, it extends over an area of ​​27,750 square kilometers. Famous for its tropical climate and tourist attractions such as Labadie, Cocoyer Beach, the Citadel and the Sans Souci Palace, the country attracts visitors from all over the world. Its diverse landscape includes impressive mountainous terrain as well as coastal plains which play an important role in its economy. Among its natural attractions are the majestic Massif de la Selle and inland fishing areas such as Lake Azuei. Despite its natural wealth, Haïti faces major economic challenges, including deforestation and land degradation, which hamper its sustainable development.

What is the most popular religion in Haiti?

Religious diversity in Haïti is a key aspect of its cultural identity, but Christianity, and more specifically Catholicism, is the most popular religion in the country. With its roots deep in colonial history, Haitian spirituality is also enriched by unique cultural practices, such as Vodou, that coexist with Christian beliefs. In this article, we explore the history, practices, and key figures surrounding religion in Haiti.

History of Haiti: From 1492 to 2024

Several centuries ago, in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, an island of captivating beauty and incredible wealth, called Hispaniola, attracted the attention of the world’s powerful. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, the island became the center of covetousness. But the colonial powers did not yet know that the island concealed within it an indomitable people. The Tainos, the first inhabitants, resisted the invader with the spirit of freedom. They were crushed, but their untamed spirits persisted in the wind, in the earth, and, much later, in the dreams of the African slaves who would come. Centuries pass and, under the merciless yoke of the French colonists, the island is transformed into a vast field of sugar cane, cultivated by the hands of slaves from Africa. These men and women, deported against their will, carry within them the hope of one day freeing themselves, of breaking the chains of oppression. And it is this dream, this sacred fire, which will burst forth in a revolt so great that it will mark the history of the world forever.