And our Book Drive continues...

And our Book Drive continues…

On: May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 By: potapiman

One month into the book drive for the KPP Children’s Library in Port-à-Piment, we are happy to report that so far, we have raised funds to add over 50 books to our collection

We thank all of you who have responded and contributed.

But the drive is not over. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to creating a lasting impact.

Help us continue to spark a love for reading and learning in Port-à-Piment. Together, we are planting the seeds of future achievement—one book at a time.

Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc conveys a special Thank You to Prof. Mac-Simon Louis, Director of the EFACAP school, for his help in the selection and purchase of the books.

Thank you so much for helping a worthy cause! Continue reading “And our Book Drive continues…” →

Books change lives- Support the KPP Children Library fundraiser

On: March 31, 2025May 6, 2025 By: potapiman

The KPP Children Library has become a gateway to knowledge for the children of Port-a-Piment. Every weekend, young readers aged 6 to 14 step into the library to build on their love of reading. On weekdays, students from the EFA school also make use of the library to enhance their general knowledge. However, the KPP Library urgently needs more books in Creole and French to continue inspiring and motivating these children.

For most children in Port-a-Piment, access to books other than school manuals, is extremely limited. Schools often lack the resources, and parents simply do not have the means to buy leisure books for their kids. The KPP Children Library provides a solution, but the present collection needs to grow and diversify. By expanding the selection of books, we can help children strengthen their literacy skills in their national languages while making reading more accessible and enjoyable.

Our initiative now requires a different approach, due to the current political environment in Haiti. In the past, books could be sent from abroad to feed our collection drive. As books can be bought in Haiti, a cash donation is becoming the most effective way to support the library. The funds would allow KPP to buy books locally, ensuring that the library gets the materials needed, while also promoting the Haitian authors, booksellers, and publishers.

KPP is launching this book donation drive to offer more diversified stories to the children. Every donation whether small or big will impact positively the education and future of the next generation. With your help, we can fill the shelves of the KPP Children Library and increase the number of young readers in Port-a-Piment – Your support will not only provide essential reading materials but will also foster a sense of community and collaboration. Donations may be sent to Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc via Zelle @ 516-2706144 or
Thank you so much for helping a worthy cause! Continue reading “Books change lives- Support the KPP Children Library fundraiser” →

The 2019 KPP Annual Fundraising Event

On: December 7, 2019January 4, 2020 By: potapiman

Konbit Pou Potapiman celebrated its 9th Annual Fundraising this past Sunday, December 1, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Sunrise, Florida. This year was our first Luncheon instead of our annual gala.

Our Master of Ceremony, Carolle Sidney Paul opened the evening by welcoming the guests and thanked them on behalf of the Board of Directors for sharing the afternoon with us, and for their support in making our annual fundraising a success.

She introduced the Board of Directors:

President ….. Frantz J. Jean (Milou), Vice-President and Treasurer…Carolle Sidney Paul, Secretary ….. Geto Dumesle
Directors: Gerald Sidney, Serge Bellegarde (Unable to attend), Claudel Moise (Unable to attend)

She also recognized several organizations which had members present in the audience for their work to better life in Haiti and for Haitians in the diaspora. They were:

Bright Futures of Thomazeau
Concerned Haitians Americans of Illinois
The Good Shepherd Foundation
MCH Coalition
Servants of Friends
Sisterhood Guild of America
St Antoine Hospital Funds

Carolle took the opportunity to share with the audience one of KPP’s accomplishments this year that is very dear to her: the reconstruction of the KPP’s Children Library that was destroyed by hurricane Matthew. The library is a success. The children are enjoying it.

Carolle proceeded in presenting the president of KPP, Frantz J. Jean.

Frantz also known as Milou, again welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support. And declared::“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to state that Konbit Pou Potapiman has had a successful year and has reached its goals.”

Frantz touched on several of our programs and accomplishments for the year: KPP Summer Camp, Renovation of KPP’s Children Library, Construction of the wall around the library, KPP Sponsorship program, Oliver Aarestrup Prix d’Excellence, and access to clean water in Anba Dolian. He encouraged the audience to visit our website at: www.portapiment.com for more information on all our programs and accomplishments.

Frantz also shared lessons learned from the last trip. As an organization, we must anticipate problems and put together a plan to deal with them, as was done with the training of local staff to run the Summer Camp. Also, we need to build self reliance when assistance from others is not available.

In closing, Frantz stated:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Haiti is in turmoil; yes, it is very disturbing to hear the bad news coming from our mother land. We cannot abandon our people, and we must continue to hope. Our people want a better life, but they can’t do it by themselves. They need us to accompany and to assist them in paving the way for a better future. We all have a role to play. KPP remains committed to fulfill its mission. Your help is much appreciated.”

Following Frantz’s speech, Carolle introduced Yvette Leblanc, singer, painter, music director, in short, the lady of many talents. Among the songs she sang for us were several love songs from her new CD. No need to say, she brought the house down.

While Yvette was singing, lunch was served. Toward the end of lunch, Yves Sidney followed. He spoke about the Summer Camp and our new goal of 20 additional kids at a cost of $1,200.00. He introduced a raffle to help raise the funds. First prize was a painting donated by Yvette Leblanc, the lady of many talents; in addition, there were several additional consolation prizes. After the results were announced, Yves thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and participation in helping raise part of the funds for the kids.

By that time, our guests were ready for some dancing. Carolle introduced Levelt Vital, Maestro of Awoze Twoubadou and son of Port-a-Piment. The band took over and electrified the audience by putting on a superb show to the delight of the attendees.

Konbit Pou Potapiman thanks the numerous guests who encourage us by their presence. KPP also thanks all who through their contributions continue to support our efforts to improve life in Port-a-Piment. Thank You! Merci! Mèsi anpil!

Yves.

(Wait for pictures to upload)

(Photos: courtesy of Arix Laroche)