On 22 October, Louvain Coopération announced its alliance with two other Belgian associations, Geomoun and Rotary Clubs For Development. This strategic merger aims to strengthen the impact of our three organisations by combining our efforts and developing concrete and sustainable projects for the communities we serve.

After introducing you to Geomove and Vision Inclusive, we take you to Haiti to discover a community engagement project implemented by Geomoun.

Promoting the involvement of children and women in Jacmel

The project carried out in Jacmel with RESEDH adopts a multidimensional approach aimed at involving children, their families and their communities in concrete actions to protect and promote fundamental rights. At the same time, it strengthens the capacities of local partners, whether from civil society or public institutions, to ensure the sustainability of initiatives. 

The aim is to create an environment where children, young people, girls and women can actively participate in the development of their community and their own empowerment. To achieve this, a community mobilisation strategy is being implemented, focusing on 13 ‘committed communities’ and youth clubs spread across eight communal sections in the south-eastern department of Jacmel. 

The communities involved bring together a variety of actors, such as religious associations, schools, farmers' and traders' organisations, women's groups, opinion leaders and politicians. These round tables develop community action plans to promote the rights of children and women while improving access to essential services such as food, education and healthcare.

Each member institution is committed to driving concrete change to improve the living conditions of the community. Actions include awareness-raising, training, specific support and targeted initiatives to address environmental and climate challenges. 

One notable result is the prevention of critical phenomena such as children being placed on the streets or becoming involved in conflicts with the law. This programme also extends to the protection and reintegration of these vulnerable children. 

Supporting children and young people in Port-au-Prince 

In Port-au-Prince, the situation for children is critical. An estimated 2,000 children live on the streets, facing dangers such as violence, malnutrition, drug use and abuse. In addition, 300,000 children, mainly girls, live in domestic service, often victims of exploitation and moral and physical abuse. 

Faced with this reality, TIMKATEC (Timoun Kap Teke Chans – ‘Every child has the right to a chance’) offers a response of hope. This programme, structured around three centres, welcomes 600 vulnerable children and young people, offering them psychosocial support, education and recognised vocational training.

The three Timkatec centres: 

1. Timkatec 1: Created in 1995, it cares for 120 children aged 8 to 12, providing them with care, primary education and accommodation.
2. Timkatec 2: Opened in 2004, this centre welcomes 330 young people aged 12 to 18 for vocational training in masonry, plumbing, electricity and sewing.
3. Timkatec 3: Launched in 2009, it focuses on 180 girls, combining basic education with training in sewing and cooking. This centre also provides night shelter for 25 young people living on the streets.

An integrated approach for a better future 

These initiatives embody the ambition of the Louvain Coopération – Geomoun – Rotary Clubs For Development merger: to build a future where the most vulnerable communities have the tools to empower themselves and prosper. By joining forces, these organisations are demonstrating that strategic collaboration can transform the most complex challenges into sustainable opportunities.