Tag Archive for: Poverty in Haiti

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ASPIRE in Haiti and Community-Driven Development in Myanmar

ASPIRE in HaitiThe onset of this decade has been marked by a surge in conflicts worldwide, with the number of conflicts and related fatalities having more than tripled since the early 2000s. These intensifying conflicts are causing severe and long-lasting economic damage. Currently, there are 39 economies classified as fragile and conflict-affected situations, with more than half of them facing active conflict. Due to the escalation of conflicts, global poverty and food insecurity are predominantly concentrated in these economies.

Poverty and Conflict

In these economies, close to 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty. According to the 2024 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, out of 1.1 billion people living in acute poverty, 455 million resided in countries experiencing war or fragility. In 2025, although these regions accounted for less than 15% of the world’s population, they were home to 421 million people living in extreme poverty, more than the total in the rest of the world. Estimates indicate that by the end of this decade, nearly three-fifths of the global extremely impoverished population, approximately 435 million people, will be living in these economies.

As the conflict has intensified, food insecurity has also risen sharply, with approximately 200 million people, accounting for 18% of the population in these regions, facing acute food insecurity. Countries affected by conflict often experience high levels of poverty and ongoing conflict slows progress in poverty reduction. Poverty, in turn, interacts with other underlying grievances to fuel instability, while conflict further deepens economic hardship.

United Nations Security Council

At a United Nations Security Council open debate in New York, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised how poverty can fuel conflict.

He said: “Poverty breeds despair. Despair fuels unrest. And unrest tears at the fabric of societies — feeding mistrust, fear and violence.” Conflict, in turn, weakens already weak institutions and exacerbates poverty and food insecurity. In cases of severe conflicts, after five years, the GDP per capita drops by around 15%. It has also negatively impacted employment creation and average life expectancy.

In this manner, conflict and poverty become mutually reinforcing, creating a vicious cycle. A World Bank report suggests that although these countries face significant challenges, they have untapped potential that could reignite growth with effective policymaking. One such advantage is having a large working-age population. By 2055, around 60% of the population in areas affected by conflict or instability will be of working age, larger than anywhere else in the world.

Transforming this into growth would require investment in education, health care, infrastructure and the private sector to create employment opportunities.

Breaking the Cycle

The World Bank, through its programs, aims to provide basic services, foster development opportunities and create employment in these economies by remaining engaged during conflict and after to assist in recovery and transition. The Adaptive Social Protection for Increased Resilience Project (ASPIRE) in Haiti and the National Community-Driven Development Project in Myanmar are two notable examples.

The ASPIRE program in Haiti supports nearly 23,000 households in the department of Grand’Anse. As Haiti continues to struggle with conflict and political instability, the initiative helps strengthen its ability to cope with recurring shocks by providing it with a monthly cash transfer. The program also aimed to provide training on financial literacy and health and hygiene practices to 50% of households. It helped identify more than 100,000 vulnerable households, enabling targeted investments. It not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid the groundwork for future investments in human capital.

The National Community-Driven Development Project in Myanmar, which comprised 37,000 sub-projects, positively impacted more than seven million people in the country. Nearly a fifth of the country’s population benefited from the improved infrastructure, transportation, water supply, education and electrification. Although the World Bank halted the disbursements of the Myanmar Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund in 2021, it continued to monitor the situation and provide analyses.

Final Remarks

Addressing conflict can lead to growth only when immediate humanitarian needs are met and paired with long-term investment in human capital. Through the ASPIRE program in Haiti and the development project in Myanmar, the World Bank routed investments toward education, health care and infrastructure. In doing so, the World Bank sought to break the vicious cycle of conflict and poverty.

– Priya Doshi

Priya is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Caribbean Resilience after Natural Disasters

Caribbean Resilience after Natural DisastersCaribbean islands are frequently witnessing hurricanes, floods, droughts, earthquakes and landslides. On October 28, Jamaica witnessed its first Category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Melissa, which brought devastating storm surge, flash flooding and landslides across Jamaica and nearby islands. The rapid intensification of the hurricane caused an estimated damage of more than $48 billion across Jamaica, Cuba, and The Bahamas and 75 total deaths in Jamaica and Haiti.

The widespread devastation consisted of roofs torn off, mudslides, and flooded farmland. Also, 70% of the population lost electricity. In response, local authorities issued nationwide red alerts and opened 800 emergency shelters. The Red Cross mobilized volunteers for evacuations, relief distribution, and reinforcing warnings. This is how sustainable rebuilding and early-action systems are transforming the Caribbean resilience after natural disasters.

Context and Vulnerability of the Caribbean Islands

Local communities frequently struggle with natural disasters since seven out of every 10 natural events in the Caribbean are storms or floods.

After the catastrophic damages of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the Caribbean region developed stronger regional cooperation and investment in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Initiatives like the Caribbean Regional Resilience Building Facility (CRRBF) joined by the European Union, GFDRR, and the World Bank, work to improve long-term disaster resilience and adaptation capacity for vulnerable areas of the region. Key national and regional strategies include strengthening early warning systems, investing in modern weather forecasting and building resilient infrastructure.

In the context of Caribbean countries facing natural disasters, vulnerable populations are the most affected. As of 2025, one in four people live in poverty in these regions and 37% of the population is moderately/severely food insecure. Food insecurity comes from a high cost of food and the majority of it being imported. Moreover, Caribbean economies are small and tourism-dependent and their energy costs are among the highest globally.

Also, post-disaster recovery often leads to debt and internal displacement of communities. For instance, 10 million people faced displacement from 2008 to 2023 due to natural disasters. In addition, climate damages could rise from 5% of regional GDP in 2025 to more than 20% by 2100.

Many studies and reports have shown that to strengthen the economic well-being of Caribbean communities it is vital to assist policymakers and development partners in planning for climate resilience, promoting economic diversification, and facilitating access to financing.

Jamaica

Good examples of Caribbean resilience after natural disasters are the Community-Based Disaster Preparedness partnered with UNICEF and ODPEM, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Following Hurricane Beryl in 2024 these programs distributed 400 (water, sanitation and hygiene) WASH Shelter Kits to emergency shelters with a value of J$14.8 million.

Specifically, the ODPEM represents the national disaster management authority and was formed in July 1980, following major floods in 1979. The institution incorporates community resilience, educational initiatives, and policy reforms within national disaster risk reduction strategies.

The UNDP also supports risk-informed development and improves disaster governance by encouraging community-level engagement.

Dominica

In 2017, Hurricane Maria destroyed 90% of Dominica’s housing, demolishing 4,500 homes  and damaging more than 20,000 properties.

Consequently, the World Bank funded a $40 million house recovery project Build Back Better Housing Project in the island. It established a Management Information System to manage nationwide housing recovery data and delivered practical training on resilient building techniques to local contractors and government staff.

The program also rebuilt 676 small homes and donated financial grants and technical assistance to homeowners.

Haiti

A significant example of community resilience happened in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake that caused massive destruction. The local communities worked on rebuilding roads, homes, and public facilities. For instance, the construction of almost 600 classrooms created local employment.

Haitian institutions and citizens joined forces in the development of housing and infrastructure. They managed to achieve sustainable recovery by involving civil society organizations and local communities in decision-making and providing training and employment for the reconstruction process. The Red Cross Red Crescent also partnered with the Haitian Red Cross to provide improved shelters to more than 44,000 households.

As a result, local leadership and national ownership created more than 300,000 jobs, providing training to 2,700 Haitian professionals. Most importantly, 2,000 metres of gabion walls were constructed for disaster risk reduction.

The Impact of Caribbean Resilience after Natural Disasters

The Caribbean islands have seen 24 million people feel the impacts of natural disasters in the last 40 years and an 85% increase in extreme weather events. However, the World Bank and the U.N., as well as local initiatives, have been funding projects that integrate long-term resilience into recovery.

The centre of these projects involves education, capacity building, and institutional strengthening to achieve long-term resilience. As a result, Caribbean islands are not only recovering but also building back stronger than ever.

– Angela D’Avino

Angela is based in Preston, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Marriage in Haiti: How Poverty Drives Child Marriage

Child Marriage in HaitiPoverty, gender inequality and insecurity largely drive the ongoing issue of child marriage in Haiti. Haitians face widespread poverty, food insecurity, gang violence and limited access to public services, leaving families with limited options to sustain themselves. This prompts many to marry off their children as a survival strategy. International aid and targeted poverty‑reduction programs work to address the root causes of child marriage in Haiti.

The Prevalence of Child Marriage in Haiti

In Haiti, 15% of girls marry or enter a union before the age of 18 and 2% before 15. For boys, 2% marry before 18. Three main factors drive child marriage: gender inequality, poverty and insecurity. Ongoing security issues such as gang violence, natural disasters and poor economic conditions push families to marry off their children, mainly daughters, as a form of survival and protection. Poverty, political unrest and natural disasters limit access to education and economic opportunities, leaving approximately one million children out of school in 2023 and families with few options for stability. Despite Haiti’s international commitments through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end child marriage by 2030, the country lacks a national strategy or a minimum legal marriage age without exceptions. Children 15 and younger marry with parental or presidential consent.

Driving Factors: Poverty and Gender Inequality

The age of consent in Haiti is 15 for both genders. Girls may legally marry at 15, and boys at 18. The president may approve marriages under these ages for ‘serious reasons.’ Additionally, if a girl under 14 conceives or either party reaches 18 within 6 months of marriage, the union cannot be annulled.

Widespread poverty and harmful norms contribute to high rates of violence and early marriage. Deeply rooted beliefs about family roles contribute to in-home violence with 73.8% of young women and 69.4% of young men justifying domestic violence. Nearly half of married adolescents aged 15–19 experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse. A 2012 UNICEF report on Haitian poverty levels found that 58% of adolescents lived in poverty, and currently, more than half the population remains below the poverty line. High rates of violence in child marriages make divorce difficult, trapping many in abusive relationships.

Driving Factors: Gang Violence and Food Insecurity

Gang violence, hunger and poverty create urgent risks for children, including early marriage, sexual exploitation and school dropout. A needs assessment found that nearly half the population facing crisis levels of hunger. Food insecurity and economic hardship are driving parents to resort to child marriages. Low school attendance leaves children exposed to recruitment by armed gangs; estimates suggest that 30–50% of gang members are underage.

Plan International is an organization that is working to protect children from these risks. It provides psychosocial support, child-friendly spaces, nutrition programs, cash transfers and health services. Since July 2022, the organization has scaled up humanitarian assistance in Artibonite and the Northeast Department to identify and support children in need of psychosocial support, particularly unaccompanied or separated children, forcibly displaced children and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Plan International has set up child-friendly spaces, provided sociocultural activities such as theatre programs, and increased access to health services.

Plan International has supported more than 25,000 people with cash transfers, enabling them to buy food, pay school fees and meet other urgent needs. These practices aim to protect children from violence and exploitation. Addressing both hunger and insecurity is critical to preventing child marriage and safeguarding the futures of Haiti’s children. Compounded initiatives like this are helpful in reducing child marriage rates in Haiti.

UNICEF’s Initiatives Targeting Root Causes of Child Marriage in Haiti

UNICEF addresses poverty, violence and instability to prevent child marriage in Haiti. The organization expands nutrition services, including treatment for acute malnutrition, micronutrient supplementation, deworming and immunizations, reducing the hunger and malnutrition that push families to marry off their children. UNICEF delivers vaccines and therapeutic food, and ensures access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. It also strengthens communities and helps lower the risk of disease outbreaks that disrupt education and livelihoods.

The agency promotes safe learning environments by distributing school kits, rebuilding damaged schools and advocating against attacks on education. A nationwide cash transfer initiative helps families enroll children in school and ensures teachers are prepared for the school year. UNICEF also provides psychosocial support and protection services to children experiencing violence, including victims of gender-based violence, unaccompanied and separated children and children associated with armed groups. The organization supports disaster recovery and preparedness, rebuilding water systems and schools and providing cash transfers to vulnerable families. These interventions reduce the economic and social pressures that drive child marriage and help protect every child’s right to a safe and healthy future.

Safeguarding Rights and Futures

Child marriage in Haiti is closely linked to poverty, insecurity and entrenched gender inequality, leaving children particularly vulnerable to marriage, violence and exploitation. Addressing these challenges through education, health care, nutrition and protection programs alongside broader efforts to reduce poverty and instability is essential to safeguarding children’s rights and preventing child marriage in the long term.

– Mollie Skogen

Mollie is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Education in Haiti: How Organizations Fight For A Nation’s Stability

Education in Haiti: How Organizations Fight For A Nation's Stability Haiti is one of the two countries within Hispaniola. Formally known as a French colony, Saint-Domingue, the territory surpassed others in the production of sugar, cotton and other supplies. The majority of its population is of African descent with a rich history. Haiti was the second country in the Americas to gain independence after the United States and was the first Black-led republic. The country remains as rich as ever in its culture, traditions, flora, fauna and tourist attractions, but has been facing multiple battles within its territory.

Where It Started

Haiti is currently the lowest-income country in the Western Hemisphere. This is due to high inflation and more than 50% of its population being in poverty. The starting point is tagged from 2018, when Venezuela halted all imports of oil into Haiti. A long-term result was price increases as high as 50% and country-wide protests. After a lockdown was put in place, this blocked aid programs and decreased opportunities for some relief.

After President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home and the last members in office left their positions, this opened up more areas for violence within Haiti. In its capital, Port-au-Prince, armed militias have established themselves and are responsible for thousands of displaced people. Intergenerational poverty has persisted since 1804, when Haiti gained independence, because they were forced to pay millions of dollars in reparations to France. Haiti was forced to look elsewhere to foreign powers in order to access loans, which buried the nation in even more debt. In 2025, youth are faced with little to no educational and economic prospects. This can add to the cycle of violence and poverty.

Education in Haiti

The country is ranked 177th when considering national spending for education in Haiti. Education in Haiti is largely privately owned, with at least 80% of institutions. In addition, the private institutions are mainly run by outside organizations from America and Canada. Public institutions lack appropriate funding and are often held within churches or houses instead of school buildings.

The pandemic and political violence within the country have worsened the impacts on education in Haiti. With the destabilization in the government, the contribution to education sits at 10% of the nation’s budget. Teachers are being forced out of the profession or public institutions are not well-staffed at all. With the majority of families in poverty, students are not able to afford private institutions. With students having little to no opportunities to access private education, this causes the cycle of poverty to continue into the next generation. No education means a lack of access to higher-paying jobs and proper health care.

Organizational Support

Some organizations have done outstanding work to assist the people of Haiti. One such organization is Hope for Haiti. It is based in Naples, Florida and has assisted Haiti post-earthquake of 2010. This earthquake destroyed the majority of college institutions and destabilized other infrastructure in the nation. Hope for Haiti has donated millions of dollars and equipment toward Haiti’s education, health care, clean water and economic development.

Hope for Haiti is transparent with donations and financials on its website. To date, it has provided 50 college students with scholarships. In total, they have provided more than 7,000 Haitian students with educational access and provided teachers with educational training and cash support. The organization has also provided at least $49 million of medication and supplies across the nation. Its health care resources have also increased nutritional support for more than 7,300 children in Haiti. Clean water distribution systems have been distributed to more than 670 families and counting. Its mission has also provided students with clean water access.

Free Haiti Inc. is another organization that aims to connect the Haitian diaspora, the international community and the people of Haiti to organizations that can provide support. The organization is committed to providing sustainable development. Its website also provides details on current events in the country of Haiti and important matters of interest. Free Haiti Inc. provides eight focus areas, like housing and education, which are targeted to improve the quality of life from the ground level up.

Looking Ahead

The focus of these organizations will largely benefit people in poverty and children without access to education. Their programs aim to improve living conditions by expanding education, health care and economic opportunities within the country. With the current crisis in Haiti, there is an urgency to provide aid in multiple areas and support the next generation. A focus on education and increased economic opportunities in Haiti can have a lasting impact on reducing generational poverty.

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Trees That Feed Foundation: The Breadfruit Revolution

Trees That Feed Foundation:Communities across the tropics are proving that breadfruit is more than a promising idea — it is already a vital tool in reducing hunger and building resilience. Once described as a “super tree,” breadfruit is now being cultivated and consumed on a wide scale, turning possibility into reality. From school meal programs in Haiti to women’s cooperatives in Uganda and innovative food businesses in Puerto Rico, breadfruit is reshaping the conversation around global hunger. These stories show how breadfruit food security and breadfruit hunger solution efforts are changing lives today.

Feeding Communities

In Haiti’s Central Plateau, Klinik Sen Jozèf and the Trees That Feed Foundation have integrated breadfruit into school meals and malnutrition programs. Farmers were given saplings to grow their own crops, and breadfruit flour was added to feeding initiatives, directly improving children’s diets and reducing hunger.

Uganda has embraced breadfruit as both a household food and a source of income. Families grow orchards that provide hundreds of fruits per year, enough to feed households and sell in local markets. Entrepreneurs have also begun processing breadfruit into snacks and baked goods, creating jobs and supporting community health. Breadfruit’s role as a consistent harvest makes it a cornerstone of breadfruit food security in East Africa.

In Puerto Rico, breadfruit has become part of the island’s recovery and resilience strategy. After Hurricane Maria devastated traditional crops, breadfruit remained productive The company Amasar now uses the fruit to create pancake and waffle mixes, making breadfruit part of both local diets and the economy. This adaptability shows how breadfruit hunger solution projects provide stability during crises.

Agroforestry and Climate Resilience

In Hawaii, people are restoring breadfruit in traditional groves ‘ulu, where it regenerates degraded soil and supplies food to schools and food banks. In Uganda, farmers are planting breadfruit within agroforestry systems, where it strengthens ecosystems and improves harvests of other crops. Studies also confirm that breadfruit thrives under climate change conditions, with its growing range stable and expanding in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Global Expansion

Governments and NGOs are scaling breadfruit worldwide. The Trees That Feed Foundation and the National Tropical Botanical Garden have distributed tens of thousands of saplings across the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.

From Haiti’s classrooms to Puerto Rican kitchens and Ugandan farms, breadfruit is proving its value as a sustainable crop that feeds, employs, and restores. What was once talked about as potential is now visible in thriving programs and markets across the tropics.

The world is witnessing the real impact of the breadfruit revolution. With every orchard planted and every new product created, breadfruit hunger solution initiatives are bringing families closer to lasting breadfruit food security worldwide.

– Diane Dunlop

Diane is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education Crisis in Haiti: Poverty and Violence Threaten Education

Education Crisis in Haiti: How Poverty and Violence Threaten Children’s EducationHaiti is facing a worsening crisis as violence continues to displace more than a million Haitians into tent cities. Armed groups now control an estimated 85% of Port-au-Prince, driving a record 1.3 million people from their homes in just six months, a 24% increase since December 2024, per the International Organization for Migration (IOM). More than half of those displaced—approximately 700,000—are children. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reports that the number of internally displaced children has jumped by nearly 50% since September 2024, equating to one in eight children nationwide. 

The future of Haiti’s youth hangs in limbo as schools have become fragile lifelines; some have transformed into shelters, while others are completely rundown, cutting countless children from the classrooms they once knew. Amid the education crisis in Haiti, however, a wave of grassroots initiatives and community-led action is pushing back with hope.

A Crisis of Scale and Impact

The United Nations (U.N.) estimates that 5.4 million Haitians are facing crisis-level hunger, with 5,636 people already in catastrophic famine conditions. The World Food Programme (WFP) is urgently appealing for $46 million to sustain emergency operations targeting 2 million people, including half a million children relying on school meals—a critical lifeline now at risk. At the same time, the U.N.’s 2025 humanitarian appeal for Haiti remains underfunded, with only 9.2% of its $900 million goal met.

The State of Education

More than 1,600 schools have closed in Haiti, a 60% increase in just four months—disrupting learning for more than 243,000 children. In the West and Artibonite regions, nearly 1,000 schools have shut down, impacting 300,000 students. Meanwhile, in the Grand South, the arrival of 103,000 displaced school-aged children overwhelmed the education systems. Plan International reports that more than 90% of displaced children in the South and Southeast—where 260,000 people sought refuge—have lost access to education.

Henry Noel, a volunteer of buildOn, a nonprofit that partners with rural communities to build schools and promote literacy, spoke with The Borgen Project, saying, “Right now, the education crisis in Haiti is unlike anything we’ve seen in years. Violence in Port-au-Prince has forced millions of people from their homes and almost half a million of those are children. Many of them were already out of school and the violence has only made things worse. Entire schools have been attacked or destroyed—I think about 300 schools [in the capital] were shut down because of the violence.”

Rising to the Challenge in Rural Communities

By early 2025, an estimated one million Haitians had been displaced by escalating gang violence. Many of these families fled to rural towns—places they once considered safe havens. Yet this mass migration has overburdened local schools, with large waves of out-of-school children arriving all at once. Noel states, “For the families who fled, especially into rural areas, schools are overwhelmed. We see classrooms with twice as many students as they were built for. Children who missed one or two years of lessons are trying to catch up, often without books, without supplies, sometimes even without shoes to walk the long distance to class. It’s devastating.”

Amid the education crisis in Haiti, buildOn—a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education—has stepped up its efforts to rebuild hope and access to learning. BuildOn is an international nongovernmental organization (NGO) that brings education to rural areas, supporting displaced families. In 2024, it built a new school in Journu, serving 285 students—150 of whom were previously out of school.

Enroll Program

Its Enroll program provides accelerated learning, supplies, meals and community engagement to restore educational access quickly. “Through Enroll, we go into the communities, identify children who are not in school and create a plan with their families and teachers to bring them back. We provide accelerated learning for those who fell behind, school supplies like notebooks and pencils and even meals in some cases.” 

Speaking on how buildOn is responding to the crisis, Noel said, “buildOn’s work is focused on two main areas: building safe schools in rural communities and helping out-of-school children re-enter the education system. Last year, for example, we built a new school in Journu, a rural community that received many displaced families. That school now serves about 285 students, 150 of whom had dropped out because of violence or poverty. For us, it’s not just about the building—it’s about giving those children a safe place where they can be children again.”

Building Hope Brick by Brick

Against the backdrop of a collapsing state, scorched schools and displaced millions, there remains a lifeline in classrooms carried on shoulders, songs played on guitars and books passed hand to hand. “The resilience of Haitian children and families is truly beautiful to witness. Despite everything, when we open a new school, the joy is incredible. Parents show up to help lay bricks, students are eager to learn, teachers are determined to keep going even when conditions are hard,” Noel said.

Where schools continue to teach, poetry fills the air and hands learn to stitch or strum, hope—and Haiti’s next generation—endures. As Noel concluded, “Don’t forget the children of Haiti. Every child deserves the chance to learn, no matter the circumstances. And even in the hardest times, education is possible—if we come together to make it happen.”

– Meagan Beaver

Meagan is based in Zephyrhills, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Kodak Black’s Philanthropy Prints a Brighter Future

Kodak Black's philanthropyKodak Black, an American rapper, might be best known for his rapping career, but when the mic is turned off, he’s on a mission to uplift those who come from the same struggles he did. Black’s impact reaches far beyond the music charts, from the streets of Pompano Beach where he was raised to the villages of Haiti where his roots run deep. Kodak Black’s philanthropy of donations and initiatives are leaving a legacy of giving far greater than his fame could.

From Struggle to Spotlight

Born and raised in the Florida Pompano Beach projects, Kodak Black faced poverty, crime and violence at an early age. Growing up, Black’s life was marked by instability and frequent run-ins with the law. However, Black turned to music to escape, express himself and earn an income. His first hit, “No Flockin,” dropped in 2014 and got his foot in the industry door, launching a career that would take him from local to global.

As the spotlight shone bright on him, he never lost sight of where he came from. The harsh realities of his upbringing shaped him and instilled a yearning to give back. Indeed, for Black, philanthropy isn’t a headline; it is a mission to help those in a place he once occupied.

Hydrating Haitians

Black’s parents are Haitian immigrants and his heritage has influenced his desire to help this community. Indeed, the struggles of the Haitian people are similar to those Black faced as a child. This connection influences him to help and his platform enables him.

In 2022, Black spent $50,000 to help hydrate Haiti, providing 35,000 bottles of clean water. Each bottle was labeled “last.” According to Black’s lawyer, Bradford Cohen, the label symbolized Kodak’s intention: “Kodak wants this to be the last time anyone in Haiti goes without water.”

The Mission Keeps Growing

Black’s impact doesn’t stop there, as he supports orphanages and food banks in Haiti. He even joined other artists for a benefit concert after the devastating earthquake that hit the country in 2021. His actions show he’s thinking globally, focused on helping people in places where poverty is extreme and resources are limited.

Black’s philanthropy stands out because of how direct and heartfelt it is. He doesn’t rely on big organizations or flashy campaigns. He sees a need and he steps in. This kind of hands-on giving shows that he’s not doing it for attention but because he truly cares.

A Legacy of Hope

Kodak Black’s philanthropy is building a legacy that goes far beyond music. Indeed, he’s showing that even someone who has faced pain and controversy can rise and become a force for good. His efforts in Haiti are just the beginning of what could become a powerful movement to fight poverty in struggling countries worldwide.

For Black, giving back isn’t just a project; it’s a way for him to help others the way he once needed to be helped. His impact on the people of Haiti shows his character and vow not to forget where he came from. Furthermore, Black’s help is more than just water or supplies. His efforts show that someone sees them, cares about them and is willing to fight for a better future.

– Marissa Schoth

Marissa is based in Benton, LA, USA and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Renewable Energy: Improving the Health Care System in Haiti?

Health Care System in HaitiBetween the unstable political economy and repeated destruction left by climate disasters, around 50% of Haitians lack consistent access to electricity. This impacts not only individuals’ homes and livelihoods, but also the health care system in Haiti. Renewable energy has become the solution to this problem of healthcare access in Haiti as Justinien University Hospital stands out as a success story in renewable energy use.

Thanks to its location in the center of Cap-Haitien in Northern Haiti and available services, Justinien University Hospital is one of the largest public hospitals in the country. The hospital is also the second-largest teaching hospital in Haiti. Justinien University Hospital serves a population of more than 1 million in the surrounding area of northern Haiti

Renewable Energy Use at Justinien University Hospital

Beginning in 2024, Justinien University Hospital has been transitioning to a renewable energy model to power their medical facilities. As of May 2025, 60% to 75% of daily energy needs within the hospital are supplied by renewable sources. Justinien University Hospital used to rely heavily on diesel generators for power. As an administrator commented to a World Bank reporter, “We used to buy 120 gallons of diesel every day, which would cost nearly $22,000 per month. The installation of the renewable energy system has allowed us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by more than 60%. Now, we reallocate these funds to other services and improve the quality of care offered.”

Hospitals Turning to Solar Energy

In addition to Justinien University Hospital, the Ministries of Health and Public Works of Haiti, the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Bank have come together to implement renewable energy in five hospitals across Haiti. These hospitals have implemented a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system that provides a clean and reliable energy system to their medical facilities. Because of the quantity and reach of hospitals that have implemented this energy model, more than 1.5 million people could benefit, according to the World Bank. This increased energy security for medical facilities means a revolutionary increase in access to healthcare within Haiti

The Future

Access to energy is an ongoing issue in Haiti. Political upheaval and the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, leave the country struggling to establish a widespread power grid. Despite the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative aiming to provide universal energy access by 2023, there is still a long way to go within some Caribbean nations

Several sectors feel the impacts of this, but none so dire as the health care system in Haiti. In recent years, however, the Haitian government, along with several NGOs, has initiated the implementation of renewable energy sources in hospitals across Haiti. This has significantly improved healthcare access in Haiti, cutting hospital operating costs, making services more consistently available, and expanding the reach of the hospital within the local community.

– Gwyneth Connor

Gwyneth is based in Kensington, MD, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The State of Higher Education in Haiti

Higher Education in HaitiHaiti has suffered with both environmental disasters and political chaos since 2010. As the poorest country in the western hemisphere, it is no surprise that more than half its population lives in poverty. The nation constantly struggles with food insecurity, clean water and access to quality health care. Limited job skills training exacerbated these struggles, highlighting the urgent need for better higher education in Haiti.

The State University of Haiti in Port-au-Prince, the country’s biggest university, has seen sharp fluctuations in attendance numbers. In the 2022-2023 school year, almost 30,000 students were enrolled. That number reduced by half, with fewer than 15,000 students attending the current 2024-2025 school year. This sharp drop is directly linked to the dangerous conditions in Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs have taken over large parts of the city and even the countryside. This sharp drop in attendance shows the impact Haiti’s instability has had on higher education in Haiti.

How Higher Education in Haiti Impacts Poverty and Stability

  1. Brain Drain: Haitians are leaving the nation for opportunities elsewhere. When educated people leave Haiti for schools abroad and do not come back, the country loses crucial talent. The nation desperately needs nurses and doctors to help sick Haitians. Engineers are essential to fix power and repair infrastructure. Without these trained professionals, the country becomes even more unstable, leading to fewer jobs for everyone. Brain drain has contributed to the steady decline of other nations. While it is difficult to calculate the exact number of people leaving the country for university overseas, at least 1.3 million people have been internally displaced from their homes due to the violence.
  2. Clean Water: Universities educate people to become engineers and construction managers, fields that Haiti desperately needs, as they work to address issues related to clean water. Less than 1% of Haiti has proper sewer systems, which leads to contaminated water and causes deadly diseases like cholera and typhoid. Without an educated population to address this issue, Haiti will likely continue to struggle to find practical solutions for clean water and sewage, which can result in the spread of disease and illness.
  3. Disaster Management: Frequent earthquakes plague Haiti, which sometimes have disastrous effects for the nation. How Haiti responds to these disasters is dependent on educated Haitians that do the work to rebuild buildings and bridges following intense earthquakes. If Haitians do not receive training to address these complex issues the impact of earthquakes can be long lasting and result in instability as power and transportation remain unreliable. A perfect example of how universities provide important training to Haitians was the training program that the State University of Haiti launched to train students at foreign universities so they could return more prepared for disaster management.

Rebuilding Haiti: ACTIVEH

There are groups working hard to strengthen higher education in Haiti. One great example is Action Toward Initiatives & Volunteering for Education in Haiti (ACTIVEH). This nonprofit started in Port-au-Prince in 2011 and is working to improve Haiti’s higher education system by giving students real-world experience and leadership skills.

ACTIVEH runs a volunteering and community service program and an internship program. Since 2014, it has brought in more than 250 students from 10 different universities and helped more than 150 students get internships.

Haiti’s current crisis has impacted the number of students attending its universities and prevented people from getting an education so that they can contribute in a positive way. This decrease in trained professionals weakens Haiti’s ability to solve its most urgent problems, which are what cause poverty in the country.

Looking Ahead

Despite these huge roadblocks, groups like ACTIVEH show the amazing strength and potential within Haiti to rebuild its education system. By doing so, they offer a real way to bring stability and reduce poverty. Supporting these efforts is absolutely crucial for Haiti’s long-term recovery and for the well-being of its people.

– Jeff Mathwig

Jeff is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Solar-Powered Refrigeration in Haiti is Changing Vaccines

Solar-Powered Refrigeration in HaitiVaccine access has been crucial in Haiti’s fight against infectious diseases. Despite this, recurring conflict and political instability have limited the effectiveness of the national health care system. Health services remain difficult to reach, particularly in rural areas, creating significant barriers to timely vaccination.

Additionally, many rural villages are hours away from the nearest hospital, making vaccination difficult for many. However, Haiti has seen many innovative solutions, such as mobile clinics, which are designed to help treat individuals displaced by the conflict plaguing Haiti. Another creative solution is solar-powered refrigeration in Haiti.

Electricity in Rural Haiti

Reliable vaccine storage requires continuous electricity to maintain appropriate temperatures. However, as of 2021, nearly 75% of Haitians lacked consistent access to electricity. While national figures showed improvement in 2022, with almost half the population having access, rural areas continued to lag significantly behind, with access rates as low as 2%.

Frequent power outages in rural communities cripple vaccine storage capabilities. Furthermore, it increases the risk of spoilage and jeopardizes immunization programs against diseases like measles, polio and diphtheria. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cold chain failures contribute to vaccine wastage rates of up to 50% in low-resource settings like Haiti, further complicating efforts to control preventable diseases.

An Innovative Approach

To address this challenge, organizations have implemented solar-powered refrigerators across Haiti. According to UNICEF, solar refrigeration units, powered by solar panels and batteries, have helped maintain stable storage temperatures in areas without reliable electricity. By 2022, more than 900 solar-powered vaccine refrigerators had been installed in Haiti. This was accomplished through support from partners like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Environment Facility. These units enable consistent vaccine storage, reduce spoilage and ensure that essential immunizations can reach even the most remote communities. They’ve become the backbone of routine immunization efforts in many areas, especially during outbreaks and vaccination campaigns.

These solar fridges replaced older gas and kerosene-powered units, improving storage reliability and expanding immunization coverage. Data from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) show that immunization coverage increased from 73.6% in 2017 to 86% within one year of implementation in targeted areas. Additional funding from the Global Environment Facility and IDB helped scale this solution by equipping several villages with solar-powered systems alongside solar-powered refrigerators in Haiti.

The Sunny Impact

The impact of solar-powered refrigerators in Haiti has extended beyond just increasing vaccine coverage for Haiti. By reducing the need to travel long distances for vaccines, rural residents can stay within their communities, conserving time and improving local economic participation. Overall, solar-powered refrigerators in Haiti have equipped mobile clinics with the power to reduce barriers to vaccine resilience and have generally improved multiple communities.

The Future

Solar-powered refrigeration in Haiti represents the first step toward innovating health care across the region. Even so, these innovations have saved thousands of lives by enabling faster access to life-saving vaccinations. While it’s only the beginning, this solution highlights the dedication of organizations worldwide working to serve communities that truly need support.

– Kallen Zhou

Kallen is based in Hattiesburg, MS, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons