"Espace sûr"

 
Haiti has been dealing with a number of severe challenges for years. A deepening humanitarian crisis is marked by widespread food shortages and a growing number of malnourished people. The climate crisis is intensifying the frequency and impact of natural disasters, further straining resources. The health sector is in crisis as well, with critical shortages of medical specialists and essential medicines. On top of this, a political crisis persists, with a provisional government unable to establish stability, while a pervasive security crisis, fueled by constant gang violence, continues to endanger daily life. This situation has left much of the population, especially those in violence-dominated areas, suffering immensely. Young women, in particular, are frequently subjected to sexual and physical violence, heightening their vulnerability and hardship.

At the Horyzon Youth Center, girls and young women find a haven of physical and

emotional support. Within the safe, walled environment, schoolgirls struggling in regular classes receive tutoring, and those whose schools are temporarily closed are provided with substitute lessons. The center also offers a space for recreation, where the girls can relax, play, and escape from their everyday lives, allowing them a few hours to simply be themselves. The youth center also includes dedicated training rooms for women up to age 35. Here, they can participate in a range of courses and workshops, covering topics such as legal rights, financial literacy, civil courage, and health, over a three-month period. These programs empower young women to advocate for socially important issues within their communities, workplaces, and even in the political sphere, helping to ensure that women in Haiti have a voice and a presence in society. Through this process, they become role models, inspiring both their peers and future generations.