May 1st holds a very special place in Haiti. Labour Day is often celebrated in grand fashion, with fairs and exhibitions showcasing the fruits of the land. Baille Tourible is no exception: schoolchildren here traditionally mark the day with their hands in the earth. A beautiful tradition that speaks volumes about the deep bond Haitians share with their land.
This year, the day was just as special in Baille Tourible! Nearly 200 students from the École nationale gathered to plant shrubs in the Fond Pierre Jacques model forest. Guided by the school’s administration and agronomist Odinave, who organized the activity, the young people took concrete steps to restore greenery to their environment. After the effort came the celebration: students shared a meal together, capping off a wonderful day in a warm and joyful atmosphere.
What makes this initiative even more remarkable is that it goes far beyond May 1st. In Baille Tourible, students learn to care for the land all year long through the course “Introduction to Technology and Productive Activities.” This program gives them real, hands-on skills: seedling production, transplanting and maintenance, market gardening, and livestock farming. A grounded, practical form of civic education that prepares young people to become agents of change in their community.
At KANPE, we firmly believe that a community’s autonomy is built through its youth. Every tree planted in Baille Tourible is one more seed sown for Haiti to flourish!
