Twenty-six-year old, Canadian-born Haitian artist Allan Andre believes art is another form of communication.   “I’m not an abstract artist; I like to convey a message,” he says. “My work gives me an opportunity to speak about things I care about. I want my work to be genuine and important.”     As a child Andre recalls asking his older sister, who drew and painted, to create drawings for him. Since then he has made it a point to learn from the experiences and talents of those he admires and has never looked back. He even remembers making a display for Canada’s Remembrance Day while in the 8th grade.   His first live painting event was in September 2012.  Since January he has raised over $1,000 for a variety of organizations. The latest charity, called The Smile Train is dedicated to helping children with cleft palettes. His piece sold for $700 with the money going to help three children in need of reconstructive surgeries.   In February, in honor of Black History Month, Andre was approached to participate in two large TD Bank sponsored events: Cultural Ambiguity and An(other) Antilles. The first event, based in Ottawa, was a contemporary art … read more

A thirteen year old who cannot read is virtually unheard of for most people in America. But in Haiti, that’s a reality for many. According to the United States CIA World Factbook, a little over 50 percent of Haiti’s 15 year old and up population is illiterate.     There’s a shortage of educational supplies, qualified teachers, and access to public education. The majority of schools are international private or church-run schools who more often than not operate near bigger cities than in rural areas, where the need is greatest. However, for one organization, they’re taking their skills and time to the people of Mirebalais in the hopes of advancing education in the community.   “FATEM operates under a very open culture,” said Jacky Poteau, executive director of Foundation of the Technological and Economic Advancement of Mirebalais (FATEM). “Since April 2006, FATEM has worked tirelessly to advance education, information, and economic development in the region, putting the long-term growth of Haiti into Haitians’ hands.”   On Saturday June 22, The Lantana in Randolph, MA will host “Educate to Change”, one of the premier fundraising events of the year, honoring the work of FATEM in the primary education sector in rural … read more

More than 200 people attended A Taste of Haiti on May 19 to celebrate Haitian Flag Day. Ambassadors, journalists, business leaders, Haitian diaspora, NGO heads, embassy staff and friends gathered in Washington, D.C. to get a glimpse of Haiti’s rich culture and cuisine. For native Haitians and those who’ve traveled there before, it was a transport back.       Throughout the island’s history, Haitian food has sustained its natives and friends. One of the event’s objectives was to promote Haiti’s cuisine in the Washington, D.C. community.   Hosted by the Embassy of Haiti, the celebration featured more than 25 samplings of delightful dishes from Port-au-Prince chefs, Stephan Durand Berrouet and Pastry Chef Valery Abraham. The samplings were arranged in deliciously flavorful bite-size servings.   “Many people aren’t exposed to Haitian delicacies and its culture,” said Paul G. Altidor, Haiti’s ambassador to the United States. “We hosted this showcase of Haitian entrees, appetizers and sweets not only to have a party, but to share the essence of our culture. We opened the doors of the Embassy to offer a sampling of Haiti, as a way to open a constructive dialogue about our country, the opportunities there, the diversity there and, … read more