Strengthening Networks of Community Leaders in Haiti
July 25, 2024
Dear Friend,
A month ago, we announced our new partnership with Gwoup Konbit—a national Haitian social movement dedicated to promoting and supporting konbit, a traditional, historical form of collective labor rooted in mutual aid and solidarity.
On the same day, June 25th, Gwoup Konbit held its 4th Annual “Let’s Develop Konbit” conference in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. More than 200 leaders from across the country met under the theme of “Let’s Apply the Values and Principles of Konbit,” diving into its history and practices.
EXPLORING & DEFINING KONBIT
Workshops and presentations throughout the day included “Types of Konbit,” “History of Konbit,” “Field Application of Konbit,” “Obstacles in the Practice of Konbit,” and “the Roles of the Academic and the Professional Sectors in Konbit.”
“Konbit is a cultural heritage that deserves to be protected.”
-Louino Robillard, Program Director of Rasin Devlopman and co-founder of Gwoup Konbit.
“Konbit is not only an agricultural activity but it is also a method of organizing collective work, a philosophy, a way of living, thinking and acting,”
– Pierre Marc Baptiste, Gwoup Konbit volunteer assisting with the development of the Konbit Guide.
HONORING YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS
Gwoup Konbit also presented its annual “Primed for Change” awards to three young Haitians who have taken action in their communities. This year, Gwoup Konbit honored:
- Rubens Louis, Founder of Ann Kreye (Let’s Create)
- Davidson Beaubrun, Program Manager of Baskètbol pou Ankadre Lajenès (Basketball for Youth Empowerment)
- Junior Thermidor, Executive Director of IMPACT-E
Gwoup Konbit’s work promoting community cohesion and mutual solidarity throughout Haiti is even more important against the backdrop of a country working to rebuild its social fabric during one of the worst socio-political crises it’s faced in decades.
If you want to learn more about Gwoup Konbit, support our new partnership, and meet representatives of the movement, I invite you to attend our Annual DC Event on September 19th. Tickets are on sale now—save $25 with code earlybird, now through August 15th. Learn more and purchase at rootsofdevelopment.org/annualevent/.
Sincerely,
Chad Bissonnette
President & Co-Founder
