FOKAL strives to build a just and durable democratic society by supporting the autonomy and dignity of individuals, especially kids, youth, and women. FOKAL’s programs promote the development of critical thinking, civic participation, empowerment and self-expression on the premise that no community can tolerate injustice when its members are armed with a voice, self-esteem and a critical mind.

There are seven different initiatives in place but those in dire need of funding are the Community Libraries and water projects.

Libraries are a luxury in Haiti - This project supports 50 community libraries through the purchase of materials and equipment, training and the contribution of financial resources. More than 150 library managers have been trained or are scheduled for training by the foundation. The 50 community libraries are available throughout the country. It has a collection of approximately 85,000 books and a web of more than 21,000 members. Why a library project you may ask, in a country where basic needs are lacking? Because it gives students and children alike the tools needed to further their education through reinforced learning and knowledge, without which they are condemned to a permanent life of poverty. ..Until every child can read, their existence serves as the lifeline of the community… back to top

In Haiti, only roughly 21% of the entire population have access to running water. The rest of the population is condemned to spend a third of the day in the search of potable water. In rural communities, that chore is mostly assigned to the extended family in the “lakou” (literally translated it means “backyard” named this way because they are the equivalent of household servants who are underpaid and reside outside of their employer’s house in the backyard); that is, assigned to children, often little girls who have to make several trips a day, often several miles-long to the nearest available water supply point and carry back, usually in buckets on their heads, the often polluted water to the household. back to top

Since 1999, FOKAL has supported talented artists in the visual arts, dance and music, and contributed to the promotion of Haitian literature through support to Haitian editing houses. back to top

TiPa TiPa/"Step by Step Haiti" is one of the formal programs of the "Foundation Konesans ak Libète" (FOKAL), one of the Soros network foundations. TiPa TiPa is a school program for children 0-12 and their families. This program offers quality and modern education opportunities to children from disadvantaged environments using an individualized child-centered approach, and encourages participation from families and local communities.

Issues concerning health, nutrition and hygiene are also introduced in the training to teachers, children, families and other interested community members. In addition, families receive specific training in organizational skills and strategies for supporting learning activities at home.

TiPa TiPa is poised to create a positive forum for discussion of education change in Haiti. back to top

This program was launched in 1998. Based on the Jeunes Entreprises program (a version of Junior Achievement program based in Quebec, Canada), it requires the participation of the business community, whose representatives commit to giving eight hours of courses to secondary school students on an introduction to the economy and private enterprise through hands-on training activities. These business men and women then act in an advisory capacity during the implementation of a "mini-enterprise" simulating the running and liquidating of a business. This activity is conducted in the schools. To date, several thousand students have been touched, fourteen schools and eight businesses have actively joined forces. Countrywide four cities have participated: Port-au-Prince, Cap Haitien, Jacmel and Hinche. The challenges are many since businesses are few and far between in a country where poverty prevails. In addition, those businesses are often ill equip to sustain their our survival, and dedicating time to foster young professionals ' development may not be priority for them. back to top

In 1999, the foundation launched a program supporting further studies for individuals showing academic excellence-targeting students from deprived backgrounds and recommended by our partner institutions. back to top