All about Africa4Haiti initiative

30 August 2024

• The vigil was held at the Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park.

Africa4Haiti Initiative Members gathered to celebrate the resilience and strength of Haitian mother's in a colourful event on Saturday, August 24.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and the Africa4Haiti Initiative, aims to reinforce cultural ties between the two countries.

The event was graced by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei.

The Romania Ambassador to Kenya Gentiana Serbu who also attended the vigil pledged her full support for Africa4Haiti and shared her experiences in Haiti and Cuba, expressing solidarity with Haitian mothers.

The vigil was held at the Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park.

Africa4Haiti is the first African civil society supporting Haiti during the tumultuous times of civil war ravaging the country.

Sing’oei emphasized Kenya’s commitment to the upcoming Kenya-led mission to Haiti.

“We want to encourage global awareness for the plight of vulnerable groups like the mothers and their children in Haiti through events like this vigil,” the Foreign Affairs PS stated

Further adding

“We came up with this idea of a cultural event. A set of cultural initiatives to generate solidarity in support of this deployment so that Kenyans can connect with this mission and so that Haitians as well can be able to connect psychologically with this mission,” he said.

He said they are seeking to generate a conversation on the deployment and came up with the initiative dubbed Harmony4Haiti Concert and Cultural Festival to be held on August 24 at Uhuru Gardens.

Organized under the Africa4Haiti Initiative, the vigil marked a poignant moment of solidarity and support for mothers facing extraordinary challenges in Haiti.

Attendees from diverse backgrounds lit candles symbolizing a message of hope and love for Haitian mothers and symbolically released 12 pigeons to show solidarity with the mothers in Haiti.

According to Edward Githaiga, the Chief Inspiration Officer of Africa4Haiti, the vigil themed-Harmony for Haiti: A Heartfelt Tribute to Haitian Mothers-, was a testament to the power of collective action and solidarity; paving the way for continued support and advocacy for Haitian mothers and families.

“I want to express gratitude to all of you for the overwhelming support and dedication of everyone present. I call upon individuals and organizations to continue with the efforts to uplift Haitian mothers and their families as this is indeed the importance of unity in bringing about positive change,” he said.

The event featured a series of activities, including musical performances by renowned artists from Haiti and Africa, a cultural exhibition showcasing Haitian and African art, crafts, and cuisine and a panel discussion on the historical, cultural, and socio-economic ties between Haiti and Africa.

Kenyan police are in Haiti to help the local officials stabilize from gangs that had almost overrun the capital.