In Haitian Creole, “kanpe” means “to stand up.” KANPE is a foundation that supports underserved rural communities in Haiti on their path to autonomy.
Why We Stand Up
KANPE works where the need is urgent,
but also where hope is alive and potential is immense.
The KANPE Foundation believes in the dignity of every human being and in the right to health, education, and basic needs within communities. We believe in each person’s ability to take charge of their own life when they have the tools, education, and support needed for their development.
Why Haiti
Haiti is not a country like any other.
As the first independent Black republic, it made history in 1804 by asserting the universal right to freedom in the face of the slavery of the time. This foundational act, grounded in a deeply human ideal, came at a tremendous cost: the country was saddled with a historic debt to France, imposed as “reparations” to former slaveholders.
During the colonial era, Haiti was the richest and most profitable colony in the Caribbean. Despite this immense potential, this morally and historically unjust debt severely hindered its development. On top of that came political and economic isolation orchestrated by Western powers. While Europe and the United States entered the industrial age, Haiti, rich in human, cultural, and natural resources, found itself cut off, without economic partners, and forced to navigate a heavy legacy alone.
Yet Haiti continued to uphold its ideals. It played a decisive role in the liberation of Latin America by supporting Simón Bolívar, on the condition that slavery be abolished in every territory freed, a promise that was kept. This commitment reflects a nation that, even when constrained, consistently chose solidarity and justice.
Even today, after decades of structural injustices, imposed debts, and foreign interventions, Haiti faces political, economic, and environmental challenges that limit its ability to provide essential services to its people.
But Haiti is also, and above all, a nation of creativity, resilience, and dignity. A people deeply aware of their history, proud of their identity, and steadfastly looking toward the future. Across the country, communities organize, innovate, and implement sustainable solutions rooted in their local realities.
In an interconnected world, what happens in Haiti concerns us all.
Why Rural Communities
The world’s media often focus on the conflicts around the capital, Port-au-Prince, but it is in rural areas that Haiti is built—day by day. More than half the population lives there, often without access to basic services. Young people who see no future in their impoverished communities leave for the capital in search of opportunity. Too often, they become caught in the vicious cycle of gangs, contributing to the country’s instability.
KANPE understands that the most isolated areas are often the ones with the greatest potential for solutions. By investing in these communities, we help prevent forced migration to the cities, while strengthening food security, boosting the local economy, and protecting the environment.
Working in rural communities gives residents a reason to invest in the prosperity of their own land and to build an autonomous future.
KANPE goes to the root of the problems and plants the seeds of sustainable solutions.
Why KANPE
KANPE means “to stand up”. And that is precisely what we do: we support communities so they can stand up on their own.
We act as a catalyst—connecting expertise, resources, and commitment. We listen, adapt, and co-create with communities. And above all, we remain true to our mission: to support autonomy with respect, solidarity, and dignity.
Support Haiti’s
Rural Communities
Your contribution directly supports KANPE’s programs in Haiti: healthcare, education, agroforestry, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Every dollar invested in local autonomy helps women and youth thrive and strengthens communities for generations to come.
