Restavek Freedom

Roughly 1 in 10 children in Haiti are living in a culturally accepted form of modern day child slavery called restavek. Stemming from the consequences of poverty, children living in restavek often fall into domestic servitude, where they work long hours without pay and are denied their basic rights to speak out and express opinions, as well as rights to equality, healthcare, education, a clean environment, a safe place to live, and protection from all kinds of harm.

So, how does a child end up in this system?

Today, on Haitian Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women whose strength, determination, and endurance are foundational to the fabric of society; whose sacrifice knows no bounds; and whose love is echoed through the generations that proceed them.

In Haitian Creole, we refer to them as fanm janm or janm vanyan for their fierce courage and independence.

May we honor them today, and every day.

Happy Haitian Mother’s Day ❤️🇭🇹

Haiti’s flavors tell the story of its people, land, and traditions.

From richly seasoned dishes to fresh seafood, street foods, and the sweetness of seasonal fruit, every bite carries history and care passed down through generations. Food in Haiti extends beyond what’s on the plate. It’s also gathering, memory, and connection.

As we celebrate the end of , we’re honoring the everyday ingredients and beloved dishes that continue to bring families together across the island and the diaspora.

What Haitian flavors and foods remind you of home? 🇭🇹

Ayiti Chérie in black and white. 🖤🇭🇹

The Haitian flag is more than colors stitched together. It’s a story of a people who dared to imagine freedom when the world told them it wasn’t theirs to claim.

On May 18, 1803, Haiti’s revolutionaries created their own flag, ripping out the white to reject colonial rule and oppression. The blue and red have flown ever since as a reminder of Haiti’s legacy as the world’s first Black republic, the first to rise from slavery to independence.

Today, we honor not just the flag, but the history, the courage, and the enduring spirit it carries. 🇭🇹

For 71 years, konpa has carried the rhythm of Haiti across generations and borders. 🇭🇹🎶

Born in Haiti in 1955, the genre blended traditional West African rhythms with jazz, Caribbbean influences, and dance music to create a sound that continues to impact Haitian culture and inspire music throughout the world.

Because konpa is more than just music. It’s movement, memory, and community. 💛

🇭🇹 Haiti is more than the headlines.

It is the first free Black republic.
It is Kreyòl, community, and cultural pride.
It is mango season, tap-taps, mountain roads, music, creativity, and memory.

Here are five things you might not know about Ayiti Chérie 🌺

🇭🇹 Throughout the month of May, we’ll be taking time to celebrate and highlight the richness of Haitian culture, history, and identity from music, food, and art to language, traditions, and everyday community life.

Haiti holds a powerful place in world history as the first free Black republic, founded through courage, resilience, and the fight for freedom. And Haitian heritage lives on on through creativity, storytelling, family traditions, faith, celebration, and the strength of its people around the world.

This month is an opportunity to learn more about Haiti beyond the headlines and to honor the beauty, influence, and contributions of Haitian culture globally.

Happy Haitian Heritage Month! ❤️

Last month, two of Restavek Freedom’s partner churches in Les Cayes hosted graduations for our Justice Training program, celebrating a total of 93 graduates, 46 graduates at one church and 47 at another.

Our Justice Training curriculum helps equip church leaders and community members with tools to better understand children’s rights, child protection, and the long-term effects of abuse and exploitation. The training also addresses how communities can help prevent children from entering Restavek situations.

In Haiti, harmful practices surrounding children have been normalized for generations. Creating lasting change requires trusted relationships, honest conversations, and communities willing to learn and lead differently.

We are deeply grateful for every participant who completed this training and for the churches continuing to advocate for children in their communities.

Congratulations to all 93 graduates! 🎓💛🇭🇹

With just a couple of months left before the school year ends, we're reflecting on how far our students have come.

Education is not often guaranteed, especially in Haiti, where infrastructure is unstable and opportunities are limited.

But despite many odds, they continue to show up every day, ready to learn, to grow, and to become a better version of themselves.

Thank you for being a part of championing nearly 2,000 children onward, so that today's dreams might become tomorrow's reality. 💛