Reclaiming the Future for Haiti’s Most Vulnerable Children

As we step into 2026, we are entering a new era of hope and systemic change for child protection and welfare in Haiti.

For too long, the narrative coming out of Haiti has been one of despair.  We see the headlines: armed gangs tearing families apart, recruiting children into their ranks, and stealing the innocence of a generation.  It is a heartbreaking reality that demands more than just our sympathy – it demands bold action.

At Overture, we believe that every child, regardless of their past or situation, has a God-given right to grow up in safety, surrounded by the love of a family and the support of a community.  We believe they are capable and worthy of a future defined by hope, not violence.

But today, that future is under attack for too many children in Haiti.  We are not standing still. We are not looking away.

Turning Conviction into Action

In the face of heartbreaking headlines and rising instability, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the crisis in Haiti.  But at Overture, our conviction remains unshakable:  we believe that true, sustainable change happens when we empower Haitians to lead. And we are taking a bold step toward that vision.

This January, we are launching a groundbreaking initiative that turns our convictions into action:  The Support Project for Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (EAFGA).

This project, centered at the Community Complex for Child Protection in Les Cayes (formerly the ESPWA campus), focuses on the rehabilitation and reintegration of children who have been coerced or forced into armed groups.  Instead of facing incarceration or a dangerous life on the streets, these children will be met with psychosocial support, moral and vocational training, and a pathway back to their families.

This is not just another relief program.  This project introduces a new model for systemic change.  Through the collaboration between Overture, IBESR, UNICEF, and the Haitian Government, this project represents a monumental shift in how NGOs and the State can – and must – partner together. It shows that when we align our resources and vision, we can improve the child protection and welfare system throughout the entire country.

Overture is proud to serve as the managing partner alongside Haiti’s child welfare agency, IBESR (Institut du Bien-Etre Social et de Recherches), to implement a comprehensive support system for children associated with armed groups. Member organizations of GTPE-SUD (Groupe de Travail pour la Protection des Enfants du Sud), a working group for child protection in the South, will also support the project.

Shared Commitment to Dignity

The urgency of this project is shared at the highest levels of Haitian leadership.  This initiative is part of a broader commitment to place the best interests of the child at the heart of public action.

During the project launch ceremony at the Les Cayes Complex, held on December 13th, 2025, Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire spoke of the urgency of this system and emphasized that we cannot look away when a child’s dignity is threatened. With grave violations against children rising by 500% in the last year, he reminded us of our collective duty:

“Children are among the first victims of armed violence.  It is a fundamental principle that children must, in all circumstances, be among the first to benefit from assistance and protection.” – Leslie Voltaire

He went on to stress that these children cannot be held responsible for the situations they endure.  We agree. They deserve a pathway out.  They deserve a future.

This endorsement validates what we have known all along:  Haitians are ready and willing to champion their own future.  They just need partners willing to walk with them, not for them.

Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives

This project is designed to do more than just remove children from armed groups – it is designed to restore their lives.  We are moving beyond temporary fixes to offer a comprehensive solution rooted in three core areas:

• Psychosocial Healing:  Children coming out of armed groups carry deep trauma.  Through individual counseling, therapy, and sports, we will provide the safe space they need to heal their minds and spirits.

  
  

• Family Reintegration:  We believe the best place for a child is with their family.  We will work tirelessly to trace families, provide mediation, and support parents economically so they can welcome their children home.  For those unable to return to their biological families, we match the youth with a trained and loving foster family.

  
  

• Economic Empowerment:  To ensure these young people never feel forced to return to violence for survival, we are equipping them with real-world skills.  From vocational training to manual trades to entrepreneurship workshops for micro-enterprises, we will help them build a future of independence and self-reliance.

Why This Matters

This project is a testament to the power of partnership.  It demonstrates that when we invest in Haitian leadership and foster genuine collaboration between the government and NGOs, we can build a system that protects all Haitian children for generations to come.  The journey is long, but the destination is worth every step!

But we cannot do this alone.

As we navigate 2026, we are not just starting a project; we are reclaiming futures.  We are proving that when we invest in Haitian leadership, hope isn’t just a concept – it is a reality. Your support for Overture is a declaration that the lives of Haiti’s children matter. Together, let’s ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.