Haiti - Transforming Communities through Chess and Art

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Haiti in Transition (H.i.T) is made up of a small group of young Haitian women who have decided to use their creativity to impact youth and contribute to the developmen of Haiti.

We launched the H.i.T movement shortly after the 2010 earthquake with the vision of providing a creative platform for the youth voice in the reconstruction efforts.

Today, the organization is not only a platform for youth creativity, but it also serves as a strategic lever for youth leadership development and social innovation.

All of the programs we develop are based on innovative human-centered design. What this means is that in our search for innovative solutions to address social needs, we put the PEOPLE and COMMUNITIES at the center of the design process.

Konbit pou Konbat Echek is one of the programs we developped that addresses the need for youth character development and civic engagement.

WHAT THIS CAMPAIGN IS ABOUT:

This Campaign is to raise funds to implement KPKE at a school in Port-au-Prince. We hope that as our message begins to spread, we will be able to impact schools nationwide.

WHAT IS KPKE?

"Konbit pou Konbat Echek (KPKE)" ("Coming together to overcome obstacles" in Haitian Creole)

KPKE is a youth development program that focuses on character enrichment, leadership, and civic engagement to inspire and prepare youth with life skills to succeed and become active contributors to society.

We use CHESS and ART to stimulate and facilitate character development as well as community development.

The participants will:

1) Learn strategic thinking skills and accountability for decisions through playing chess,

2) Learn to protect and preserve their environment by converting waste into art,

3) Learn the importance of image and character development by documenting their personal and collective transformational experience through photography and film

4) Learn to work together as a neighborhood council that will take the lead in bringing to life their vision for their community.

The primary goal of the program is to cultivate Haiti’s future Game Changers. The well being of the country depends on raising a generation of skilled, competent, creative, visionary and responsible leaders.

As of today, we have already impacted 1 community center in Jacmel, Haiti. This summer, we are setting off to impact "Ecole Nouvelle Zoranje" in Port-au-Prince. Many other schools have reached out to us, and with your help, we can get to all of them.

WHY CHESS?

Chess builds community. It's a game that can be played by all, and that demands respect from each player.

Chess helps to understand life. The principles from the game can also be applied to life: Accountability from ones actions; Learning from mistakes; Thinking three steps ahead/Strategic planning; Diligently growing from a Pawn to a piece with more power and abilities

Chess opens the mind. Playing the game will develop one's critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Chess opens doors. Upon learning this game, the youth can decide whether to become more competitive and enroll in chess compitions nationally or internationally. Many young chess players have won scholarships and grants from chess competitions.

WHY ART?

Art builds community and a sense of identity. It also serves to develop intellectual and emotional intelligence, positive self regard, and acts as a medium for self-expression

Through this program, it is our hope that each youth will begin to view themselves as a vital contributor to the social and economic development of their community.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

We would greatly appreciate it if you helped us spread the word about our cause and our project to your networks. We also welcome any feedback you may have, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us: haitiintransition.hit@gmail.com

Visit our website: hitmovement.org for more information

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/H.i.T.Movement, and

If you are interested in purchasing our shirts (featured on the video), we invite you to visit our H.i.T Empowerment Store. 100% of the proceeds from shirt sales will also go towards our programs.