A village lighted, a community united

Tabarre, a district in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is constantly plagued by gang violence, insecurity reigns, plunging its neighborhoods into an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. Women live under constant threats, worsened by the darkness that embodies both fear and danger. In this tense climate, the village of Grace was not spared. As soon as night fell, its residents retreated indoors, avoiding the dark streets. The unlit paths became traps, making any outing perilous.

To address this situation, community members appealed to authorities for urgent lighting. The local authorities reached out to IOM, which funded the project with support from Global Affairs Canada.

“We saw that our voice truly mattered,” explains Marie, a local merchant. “For the first time, we felt that the authorities were paying attention to our concerns.”

The installation of solar streetlights, serving more than 2,000 people, transformed the village's dynamics. This project didn't just bring physical light but also revived community life. Thanks to this new light source, the residents, especially women, regained the ability to continue their activities without fearing for their safety.

“Before, we had to stop selling early because it was too dark and dangerous, especially for us women. Now I can?stay open longer, sell more, and most importantly, I feel safe” Marie confides.

The impact of these streetlights extended to all layers of the community. Children, once deprived of sufficient study time due to the darkness, can now review their lessons under the protective glow of the lights. “My children had to rush to finish their homework before nightfall. Now, they can study without that pressure,” says Francine, a mother of three.

The light not only improved living conditions in the village but also helped restore a connection between the community and local authorities. Jean-Baptiste shares: “We learned to work together, and it strengthened our trust in the authorities.”

IOM continues to support state authorities by assisting them in implementing sustainable projects that meet the priority needs of the population. These interventions are part of a broader strategy aimed at providing lasting solutions to reintegrate migrants, reinforce social cohesion and strengthen confidence between the population and the authorities.

IOM - UN Migration expresses its gratitude to Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada , whose commitment helps realize essential initiatives for the well-being of vulnerable communities.