The Digicel Foundation opens its doors to young organizations and presents its latest annual report

Port-au-Prince, HAITI – December 14, 2022: As part of its efforts to strengthen connections with young people, the Digicel Foundation welcomed representatives of various youth organizations on Wednesday and took the opportunity to present its 2021–2022 fiscal year report.

The invitation was issued on December 4, and many youth organizations expressed interest in attending the open house. Three days later, around sixty of them were selected, each represented by one participant, for a day filled with discussions, reflection workshops, and exchanges of information, experience, and knowledge.

The Digicel Foundation remains aware of the vital role young people play in driving change in any society. In keeping with the spirit of the Foundation’s 15th-anniversary campaign, the theme of the day was “Engagement.” The discussions centered around the question: To what extent and through what means can young people contribute to Haiti’s development? This question guided three workshops, from which three initiatives emerged. The highlight of the day was the Foundation’s announcement that it would fund one of these initiatives. The three groups were invited to further refine their ideas and later present them before a jury established by the Foundation, which will select and implement the winning project.

Additionally, representatives from Digicel, members of the Foundation’s Board, and Foundation employees met with the 60 young participants to discuss their daily work, share best practices in various fields, and answer questions. The speakers also highlighted Digicel’s and its employees’ strong commitment to social engagement.

During the event, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Sophia Stransky, in the presence of the young participants and members of the press, presented the annual report and highlighted the Foundation’s accomplishments since its creation and during the fiscal year:

  • A total investment of over US$79.3 million

  • Programs benefiting more than 1.3 million people

  • Construction of 188 schools across the country, serving more than 60,000 students

  • Funding of 292 projects

  • Support for 57 social enterprises through the PARCCSEQ program

Stransky went on to announce that reconstruction projects for schools affected by the August 14, 2021 earthquake were progressing well. She noted that US$1.7 million had been allocated to rebuild four schools in the South and Grand’Anse departments. Regarding the Foundation’s professional development program, of the 67 schools participating in the Community Capacity Building Support Project for Quality Education (PARCCSEQ), 57 had already established social enterprises through their school councils to help ensure long-term sustainability.

In terms of grants, the 2021–2022 fiscal year was marked by the fifth edition of Konbit Pou Chanjman, during which 22 projects received funding and are currently being implemented. In addition, more than 20 volunteer days were organized through the Foundation’s employee engagement program across all ten departments of the country.

“All of our initiatives have always reflected our commitment to building a better, more inclusive, and more developed Haiti. During challenging times, these goals serve as our compass and strengthen us in the face of adversity. Our results over the past 15 years, in education and project funding, are clear evidence of this ongoing commitment,”
concluded Sophia Stransky, Executive Director of the Digicel Foundation.