Stories from the field
Haiti en Scène
January 7, 2011
The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce the formation of a partnership with the French Red Cross and Haiti en Scène. Haiti en Scène is an organization that encourages development and social integration of disadvantaged youth through theatre, song and dance. Workshops led by Haiti en Scène offer constructive and stable psychosocial support for youth who do not have the opportunity to go to school or participate in leisure activities. Since the January 12th earthquake, Haiti en Scène has been working primarily in the camps of Port-au-Prince.
The Canadian and French Red Cross’ will co-finance a study that will examine the effects of Haiti en Scène’s methodology by employing a team of researchers who will interview youth participating in workshops for a period of 16 weeks. By gaining a more precise understanding of the impact that artistic engagement can have on youth in terms of development and social integration following a traumatic event, the research gathered will serve as a basis for future projects for the protection program. Haiti en Scène reaches over 1000 children in 10 different camps throughout Port-au-Prince.
In addition to the regular programming that will continue year-round, a performance entitled City of Lights will be held the January 16 in commemoration of children who were affected by the earthquake. 600 children will participate through song, dance and theatre and the show will feature original music and choreography. The performance is free to the public and over 17,000 people are expected to attend.
City of Lights is made possible through a partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and financed by France Culture and the Service for Development and Cultural Action of the French Embassy and the Red Cross.
