In a significant boost to community development efforts across Haiti, the Digicel Foundation has unveiled the 18 winning organizations of its ninth annual “Konbit Pou Chanjman” (Collective for Change) initiative. Each awardee will receive $12,000 in funding, totaling $216,000 in grants dedicated to grassroots projects addressing critical needs throughout the Caribbean nation.
The selected organizations represent diverse geographical regions and sectors, with projects spanning agricultural development, environmental protection, youth empowerment, and economic advancement. The awarded groups include peasant farmer associations, fishing cooperatives, community development organizations, and faith-based initiatives, demonstrating the program’s comprehensive approach to addressing Haiti’s multifaceted challenges.
Geographic distribution of awards shows broad national coverage: Artibonite (2 organizations), Centre (1), Grand’Anse (2), Nippes (1), North (1), Northeast (1), Northwest (2), South (3), Southeast (3), and West (2). This ensures development resources reach communities across Haiti’s varied landscape, from coastal regions to mountainous interior areas.
Notable recipients include the Crête-à-Pins Marmelade Farmers’ Organization focusing on agricultural sustainability, the Space for Reflection, Research and Action (ERRA) promoting community dialogue, and the Exemplary Youth Initiative for the Propagation of the Gospel combining spiritual and community development work.
The Konbit Pou Chanjman program, now in its ninth year, represents one of Haiti’s most sustained corporate social responsibility initiatives, having channeled millions of dollars into community-driven development projects. The program’s name derives from the traditional Haitian concept of “konbit” – a collective work group where community members unite to achieve common agricultural or development goals.
This year’s selection process involved rigorous evaluation of project proposals based on their potential for sustainable impact, community involvement, and alignment with local development priorities. The funding will enable organizations to implement projects designed to create lasting positive change in their respective communities.