Dayana, a member of the Haitian Institute’s Akademi Défilée Bazile, arrives at Citadelle Laférièrre, Milot, Haiti

“The dehumanization resulting from an unjust order is not a cause for despair but for hope, leading to the incessant pursuit of the humanity denied. Hope, however, does not consist in crossing one’s arms and waiting. As long as I fight, I am moved by hope; and if I fight with hope, then I can wait.”

Paulo Freire

Haiti’s tragedy is not destiny…but history.

Lambert St Rose

Painting of Catherine Flon by Patrick Noze

Welcome to the Haitian Institute of Atlanta, where we are tackling the intellectual challenges to Haitian lived experience, while shaping the whole person: Body, Mind, and Spirit.

New members of the Amïlcar Cabral Society in Goden, NW Haiti.

Our message: Let us attack the problem, not one another, for we are far greater than the sum of our challenges!

Frantz-Cisco (left) and Kenley (right) engage in an intense game of chess while Ketia and Johnson look on.

Attacking the problem and finding lasting solutions require a strong commitment to research, reflection, and collaboration, coupled with a great deal of patience, courage, and compassion. And that is only the beginning!

Civic engagement with men and women in Janklè, NW Haiti

How are we doing this? By connecting people within and across generations, and partnering with local institutions that share our vision of a more just, peaceful, and prosperous Haiti.

Civic formation with children, men, and women in Janklè, NW Haiti

By promoting a vision for stable, equitable, and productive communities, and institutions that are strong enough to outlive their founders.

And through concrete, hope-full action that is as inclusive as it is wide-ranging, as constructive as it is innovative, as empowering as it is liberating.

We are building a foundation that is strong enough to sustain the collective weight of our dreams.

Rosie and Jonathan, members of the Amilcar Cabral Society

Aware of colonization’s lingering effects on every aspect of Haitian life, we are unapologetically decolonial in all that we do. Following the example of the Haitian polymath Jean Price-Mars, we practice rigorous research that is based on an unshakable commitment to truth as a matter of justice: “scientific truth,” “human truth,” and “truth tout court.” And to those, we add communal truth.

What we have done thus far!

  • A Workshop where young adults can work and earn while learning and building community.
  • Our work of accompaniment with adolescents
  • Our work of accompaniment with young adults

What is on the horizon!

Introducing the Haitian Institute’s latest initiative, the Center for Action-Oriented Research and Reflection, SantRova!

SantRova is built on a partnership with the College Jean Wilbert Luma (CJWL), a K-12 private school. It features a research library, a biology and chemistry laboratory, a Language Studies Department, a Strategic Research Department, and a Child Development and Early Education Department. Based on a model to be replicated elsewhere in the country, SantRova fits seamlessly with the Haitian Institute’s broader vision of thriving Haitian communities.

Its mission is to: 1. Promote Interdisciplinary research and critical reflection by means of programs and activities that are designed to cultivate a spirit of curiosity, discovery, creativity, and collaboration. 2. Encourage concrete action that fosters dialogue, mutual knowledge and social cohesion. 3. Encourage decolonial thinking and action. 4. Foster healing for the Body, the Spirit, the Soul, and the nation.

For further information, visit https://www.santrova.org/