Young people benefit from YWCA of Haiti youth centre
Story reading with a group of 3‐5 year olds at the YWCA of Haiti Youth Centre
Following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti, the YWCA of Haiti has been dead set on assisting with the recovery efforts and providing a safe space for the women and children of their country to help them get through the trying times. Four months later they were able achieve this goal with the support of the World YWCA, YWCA member associations, CREATIS a decorative art school in Petion-Ville, Haiti and Population Services International (PSI) Haiti.
The monetary donations and contributions in kind that was received by the association enabled them to launch a youth center in Petion-Ville. A safe space, the centre caters to young persons who were greatly affected by the earthquake, unable to return to school and who have no access to any educational or social activities.
A most capable team of strong women each from different backgrounds including Project coordinator, Melissa Coupaud, manages the youth centre. The centre, which is in its first stage of programs, thus far, has benefited a total of sixty-one children and young women all who were displaced and terribly affected by the earthquake. The programs at the youth centre are designed to cater to the varying age group of the attendees and activities are of an educational, social, athletic and artistic nature.
The programs were divided into two groups, one catering to the boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 12 years old and the other for young women. The children’s session would begin daily with prayer and opening discussions. The children then participate in activities such as reading, board games, singing and dancing. Child psychologist Sandrine Kenol also provides group therapy for the children an important aspect of the programme given their current living situation. Wesner Dorenvil father of two shared how delighted she was that his daughters were admitted into the programme, “I am extremely happy that the girls have been offered this opportunity; they are learning and playing in this beautiful environment I could never afford, instead of sitting at home doing nothing” he said.
The young women admitted into the programme at the youth centre are sponsored to attend courses at CREATIS where they learn different painting and art techniques. On Saturdays workshops are held around various topics for the young women to empower and motivate them. YWCA of Haiti members facilitate the workshops and guest professionals are also invited to make presentations. Empowerment, leadership and sexual and reproductive health were among some of topics covered. Plans to improve the programme include adding psychosocial counseling sessions to help them discover their roles and responsibilities post earthquake and also to help them map out their future.
The applications to attend the centre have been pouring in but because of financial constraints it was decided that only those extremely unfortunate children and those who are unable to resume regular schooling would be granted the opportunity. The programmes thus far have been very successful as Melissa Coupaud and Judith Pierre- Charles, two of the youth centre administrators stated: “We see the transformation in the kids, through the enthusiasm they show when they arrive in the morning. They are thirsty for knowledge and are attentive to all we have to share with them… The smiles when they play, the calmness when they eat, and the sincere thank-you when they leave, let us know these kids feel appreciated, understood, accepted and are developing a sense of belonging. Some cried at first, others seemed worried. Today we see smiles all around and we have a good feeling when the kids come in through the doors.”
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