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 effort to strengthen close relations with young people, the Digicel Foundation welcomed representatives from various organizations this Wednesday and took the opportunity to present its achievements for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The invitation was sent on December 4, and many youth organizations expressed their interest in participating in this open day event. Three days later, around sixty of them were selected, and one representative from each organization took part in a day filled with discussions, workshops, and the exchange of information, experiences, and knowledge.
The Digicel Foundation is fully aware of the importance of youth involvement in driving change in any society. Therefore, as part of the Foundation’s 15th-anniversary campaign, the key theme of the day was “Engagement.” To what extent, and through which means, can young people contribute to the development of Haiti? This question was at the heart of the debates and fueled three workshops, which led to the emergence of three initiatives. The big surprise of the day was the announcement that one of these initiatives would receive funding from the Digicel Foundation. These three groups were invited to further develop their ideas, with the possibility of presenting them in front of a jury established by the Foundation, which will select the project to be implemented.
Additionally, representatives from Digicel, the Board, and Foundation employees shared their daily work experiences and best practices with the 60 young participants. They also had the opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. Among other things, the speakers highlighted Digicel’s social involvement and that of its employees.
Moreover, the Executive Director of the Foundation, in the presence of the youth and the press, gave an overview of the past fiscal year, emphasizing the Foundation’s achievements since its inception and during the period:
- A total investment of over 79.3 million US dollars.
- Programs benefiting more than 1.3 million people.
- Construction of 188 schools across the country, benefiting over 60,000 students.
- Grants awarded to 292 projects.
- Financing of 57 social enterprises through its PARCCSEQ program.
Sophia Stransky went on to announce that reconstruction work for schools affected by the August 14, 2021 earthquake is progressing well. She noted that 1.7 million dollars have been allocated for these projects, benefiting four schools in the Southern and Grande-Anse departments. Regarding the Foundation’s professional development program, of the 67 schools participating in the School Communities Capacity Building Support Project for Quality Education (PARCCSEQ), by the end of the fiscal year, 57 of them, through their school councils, had already established a social enterprise with the primary goal of ensuring the sustainability of these institutions.
In terms of grants, the 2021-2022 fiscal year was marked by the fifth edition of Konbit Pou Chanjman, where 22 projects received funding and are currently being implemented. Additionally, over twenty volunteer days were organized through the Foundation’s employee engagement program across Haiti’s ten departments.
“All of our initiatives have always been, and remain, a reflection of our commitment to a better, inclusive, and developed Haiti. During difficult times, these goals serve as our compass and strengthen us in the face of adversity. Moreover, our results over the past 15 years in education and project funding are a testament to this continued commitment,” concluded Sophia Stransky, Executive Director of the Digicel Foundation.