Last week, community leaders and partners officially inaugurated Cavaillon’s rehabilitated drinking water system. Today, more than 7,000 people have access to water eight hours a day, seven days a week.

The system includes a hybrid solar-powered pump, two boreholes, and a kilometer of new pipeline. But the real story is not the equipment. It is a community water system designed to be locally managed, financially sustainable, and able to keep serving families for years to come.

That is what HANWASH has been working toward from the beginning.

We are not simply installing pumps or drilling wells. We work alongside Haitian leaders, water authorities, system operators, and communities to build the management, financing, monitoring, and local ownership that keep safe water flowing.

And this year, that model received extraordinary recognition. Rotary selected Collaboration for Sustainable Water and Sanitation Systems in Haiti, sponsored and implemented by Rotary members in District 7020 and HANWASH, as its 2026 Programs of Scale recipient.

By 2030, the initiative aims to strengthen sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene services for approximately 70,000 people in Cavaillon, Ferrier, and Pignon, while reducing waterborne disease by 25%.

We are proud of how far this work has come, and deeply aware that HANWASH did not arrive here alone. Supporters like you helped us build the partnerships, experience, and proof needed to reach this moment.

You were part of that.

Thank you for believing in the possibility of sustainable, Haitian-led water and sanitation systems. I hope you feel proud of what your support helped set in motion. I’ll keep you updated as this next chapter unfolds.

District Conference is always a time for fellowship and celebration, in addition to the more serious aspects of training. It’s a time when old friends meet in person after a year of online contact; it’s a time when ideas are shared; a time when the diverse languages and cultures of the Caribbean combine in an exciting melting pot.

Jamaica 2026 was a landmark event for HANWASH. Usually a minor adjunct to the main conference programme, this year, HANWASH was upfront and centre on several occasions – notably enhanced by the presence of over 140 Haitian Rotarians, whose enthusiasm and charisma added tangible reality to the goals HANWASH had set.

Notable also, was the gathering of many Board Members, volunteers and staff, many of whom had only previously met online. The energy of face to face interaction is a world away from the confines of electronic media. New directions are discussed, issues are resolved – or at least acknowledged! – and most of all a sharing of the way forward in a rapidly evolving project, which started as an audacious idea and has now burgeoned into a full-blown programme.

HANWASH took centre-stage on Tuesday evening, hosting a cocktail party which was attended by scores of excited Rotarians, all eager to learn more about the District’s star project. They were welcomed by HANWASH Chairman PRID Jeremy Hurst; a few major donors were thanked; Board Member PDG Robert Leger translated for the non-English speakers; we welcomed the new HANWASH in-country Director, Lunise Jules. Many attendees, for whom HANWASH had only been a vaguely acknowledged project, left the event full of enthusiasm and pride in this District 7020 born programme.

For Haitian Rotarians, HANWASH convened a group session to review plans for the time ahead. The session was conducted by Richard Kohl, a Programs of Scale Consultant, in French. Attendees were grouped together and were advised to discuss the way ahead, review any issues or obstacles which had arisen in the past and to forge a new path to encompass major changes to come in the time ahead. Also on hand were representatives from the National Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) in Haiti, Director General Théophil Ostinvil and Director of Sanitation Edwige Petit. They both confirmed DINEPA’s commitment to HANWASH and expressed their excitement at plans being laid for the future expansion and enhancement of the programme.

On Friday, the excitement was palpable – everyone knew something was in the air! First, HANWASH Board members were called up on stage. Then the volunteers. Then all Haitian Rotarians were asked to join everyone. They rushed the stage, flags waving, the air of anticipation was electric. Then, it was announced…HANWASH had been selected as the recipient of the Rotary International Program of Scale Grant for 2026! The entire room went wild. Laughter, tears, cheers, hugs, kisses – the entire meeting room erupted.

Rotary International made the official announcement on May 18th at 10:30 am…

HANWASH has been selected as the recipient of the Programs of Scale through The Rotary Foundation. This program will support the expansion of sustainable water and sanitation systems in Haiti. As conflicts, recurring natural disasters, climate change, and geographic disparities continue to disrupt access to clean water and sanitation services across Haiti, millions of people remain highly vulnerable to waterborne and hygiene-related illnesses.

Rotary is expanding the collaborative national model known as the Haiti National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative (HANWASH), which works alongside water service providers, communities, and public sector partners to strengthen sustainable water and sanitation systems in Haiti.

The scaled-up effort, Collaboration for Sustainable Water and Sanitation Systems in Haiti — led by Rotary clubs in Haiti and the Caribbean in partnership with nonprofits and government bodies including Haiti Outreach and Direction Nationale de l’Eau Potable et de l’Assainissement (DINEPA) — aims to improve access to clean and safe water, sanitation, and hygiene while strengthening demand, governance, and sustainable use for approximately 70,000 people in Cavaillon, Ferrier, and Pignon by 2030 and put the necessary measures in place to enable the scaling of the program to other communes throughout Haiti.

After years of building not only wells but confidence in the programme, HANWASH is now at a new beginning…follow us to see where that leads us in the years ahead.

To learn more about Programs of Scale, visit
https://www.rotary.org/en/4-questions-about-programs-scale-grants-kr-ravi-ravindran

That year, the Rotary District 7020 conference was held in Jamaica and everyone saw a Rotarian who walked everywhere carrying a bucket! That Rotarian was Fritz Pierre-Louis from Haiti. Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, Fritz researched water filtration systems. He adapted a water filter to fit a bucket, using it as a portable demonstration to garner support for his initiative through Rotary District 7020.

Later, during DG Jeremy Hurst’s visit to Léogâne, he and his wife Michelle sampled the filtered water served in wine glasses! Similarly, PDG Haresh Ramchandani participated in a water filter project and drank the filtered well water.

When PRIP Barry Rassin and his wife Esther visited Gonaives, they faced a water shortage. The Director of the CTE, responsible for Gonaïves’ water supply, was asked by the Assistant Governor at the time to specially activate the water system, two hours later the water turned on, allowing them to shower after a long journey. Having experienced the water issues in Haiti firsthand, in 2018 then President of Rotary International, Barry Rassin, was inspired to begin the HANWASH programme in Haiti.

From a bucket and a water filter, the HANWASH programme evolved to well systems which relied on local power to run the pump, to the Phase 1 addition of solar panels. The panels give approximately 6 hours of run time daily. Phase 2 aims to add battery backup systems at a cost of $80,000 to $120,000. Unfortunately, a setback occurred when USAID withdrew its battery funding support, however OREPA is working to fundraise for the project. Once the battery system is installed, water will be available 24/7, supplying potable water for up to 5,000 families!

In March ,a huge step forward was made with the inauguration of a new water point in Leogane. Broadcast live from Leogane and streamed out via Zoom, over 50 attended virtually, including HANWASH Chair Jeremy Hurst and several PDGs. In Leogane, Technical Director of OREPA Ouest Ing. Jacquard Desormaux, and other local dignitaries were in attendance in person.

Among the speakers was Champion District 5130 Representative Dan Balfe , Santa Rosa, CA, who spoke obo DG Kathy Flamson. Project leader Andre Wildaine emphasized the critical role of the technical team in planning and implementation. All contracts are signed and currently being fulfilled. DINEPA selected communes near strong clubs, including Cavaillon and five other communes, for the project.

The new well in Leogane marks another major step forward in HANWASH’s audacious goal of providing potable water for the entire nation of Haiti.

START SMALL…DREAM BIG

Credit: Written by Fritz Pierre-Louis and Sheila Bethel

Across Haiti this year, Carnival unfolded in different ways. In larger urban centres, smaller but determined crowds gathered for music, rara bands, and traditional masquerades, reflecting both the enduring spirit of the festival and the realities facing the country. Some communities scaled back parades because of economic pressures and security concerns, while others leaned more heavily into local, community-based celebrations. Rather than grand national spectacles, Carnival 2026 felt deeply rooted in neighborhoods — an expression of culture shaped by resilience and adaptability.

Haitian Carnival has always carried layers of meaning. Rooted in African traditions, colonial history and local resistance, it allows communities to speak through art when words are not enough. In Jacmel, widely known as the artistic heart of Haiti’s Carnival, papier-mâché masks and handcrafted costumes transformed streets into moving galleries. Artists spent months preparing figures that represented folklore, social commentary and sometimes the hardships of everyday life. Even in years marked by uncertainty, Jacmel’s creators continued to build beauty from cardboard, paint, and imagination — a powerful symbol of hope.

For organizations like HANWASH, these cultural moments reveal why community partnerships matter. Carnival highlights the strength of local networks: artisans supporting one another, families gathering despite economic challenges, and neighbourhoods working collectively to preserve traditions. It’s the same spirit that drives water and sanitation projects, health initiatives and education programmes across Haiti. Cultural resilience and community service are deeply connected — both depend on trust, collaboration, and the belief that small actions can create lasting change.

Yet this year’s celebrations unfolded against a difficult backdrop. In parts of Haiti’s southwest, communities continue to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Flooding and infrastructure damage disrupted livelihoods and isolated rural areas, adding new challenges to regions already facing limited resources. For many families, Carnival was not an escape from hardship but a momentary pause — a chance to gather strength before returning to the work of rebuilding homes, farms, and daily routines.

This contrast between celebration and recovery underscores the role of humanitarian partnerships. Clean water access, sanitation systems, and community-driven development projects become even more vital after natural disasters. When HANWASH volunteers collaborate with local leaders, they help create stability that allows culture to thrive. Safe water systems mean healthier children; stronger infrastructure means communities can better withstand future storms and sustained partnerships ensure that progress continues long after international attention fades.

As the streets grow quiet and the drums are stored away, the lessons of Carnival remain. Jacmel’s masks remind us that art can transform struggle into expression. The resilience of families in the southwest shows that recovery is not only physical but emotional and cultural. For those engaged in nonprofit work, Carnival serves as a powerful reflection of why service matters: not just to respond to crises, but to stand beside communities as they celebrate, rebuild and look forward.

In Haiti, the end of Carnival is never an ending — it is a transition. The same hands that crafted masks now return to rebuilding neighbourhoods. The same communities that danced together now face the ongoing challenges of recovery. Through continued partnership, compassion, and long-term commitment, organizations like HANWASH can help ensure that the rhythm of resilience continues long after the music fades…

Carnival 2026: Photo courtesy of Haiti Wonderland

Jacmel Masks: Photo courtesy of Haitian Embassy, Nassau.

Cap Haitien Carnival 2026: Photo by Onz Chéry/The Haitian Times

Partnerships are the lifeblood of effective non-profit work. In a space where resources are often limited and needs are vast, collaboration allows organizations to extend their reach, strengthen their impact, and achieve outcomes that would be impossible alone. For non-profits like HANWASH, partnerships are not just helpful—they are essential.

HANWASH’s mission depends on a network of supporters working toward a shared goal. Strategic partnerships with local organizations, international NGOs, private-sector companies, and government agencies help translate vision into action. Each partner brings something different to the table: funding, technical expertise, volunteer support, logistics, advocacy power, or community trust.

We are deeply grateful to our partners, including DINEPA, OREPA, Hope for Haiti, Haiti Outreach, UNOPS, M-Water, WASH RAG, Northwater, Operators Without Borders, Magepa S.A., and our local government and local community water committees and mayoral offices. We also thank The Rotary Foundation, Host District 7020, Rotary Champion Districts 7020, 5060, 6960, 6940, 5130, and 6290, along with local Haitian Rotary Clubs. And, to the many others including our amazing Staff, who contribute their time, talent, and treasure in service to the people of Haiti, thank you!

Ultimately, these amazing partnerships turn good intentions into lasting change. For HANWASH, working hand in hand with our partners means building stronger communities, promoting health and dignity and creating solutions that endure well beyond any single project. In the non-profit world, progress is rarely made in isolation—and HANWASH’s experience is a clear reminder that meaningful impact is built together.

The parades are over, the Soupe Joumou is all gone. Haiti Independence Day, celebrated annually on January 1st, was a moment for Haitians worldwide to commemorate their unique and revolutionary past while reflecting on the ongoing struggles and future aspirations of the nation.

Southeast Haiti, like the rest of the nation, celebrated its Independence Day on January 1st, 2026, showcasing remarkable resilience by honouring their freedom and heritage, despite the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, which caused significant flooding, deaths, and homelessness, particularly around Petit-Goâve. The spirit of Haitian Independence — rooted in revolution and survival — fueled their determination to celebrate their freedom and rebuild their nation.

Haiti, the world’s first Black republic, was born out of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. That legacy of resilience, resistance and self-determination continues to define the nation and its people, even as they rebuild. In essence, while Hurricane Melissa left deep wounds, the spirit of Haitian independence — rooted in revolution and survival — fueled the determination to rebuild their nation.

Resilience…

In the months following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the people of southeastern Haiti have once again shown the world the true meaning of resilience. Homes were damaged, livelihoods disrupted, and entire communities forced to confront yet another difficult chapter in a long history of hardship. Yet, amid the rubble and the ongoing work of rebuilding, something remarkable has endured: the unbreakable spirit of the Haitian people.

Everywhere in the region, signs of recovery are visible. Neighbors help one another clear debris, repair roofs, and restore daily routines with whatever resources they can find. A major issue was the loss of the autumn food harvest and water contamination, which international humanitarian organisations such as Hanwash have been addressing. Progress is often slow and challenging, but it is driven by determination rather than despair. For many families, rebuilding is not just about reconstructing houses—it is about restoring dignity, hope, and a sense of normalcy.

Perhaps nothing symbolizes this strength more powerfully than the decision to still celebrate Carnival. In Jacmel, music, color, dance, and laughter returned to the streets, not as an act of denial, but as a declaration of survival. Carnival became a statement: despite loss and uncertainty, life goes on, culture endures, and joy remains an essential part of healing.

Known as Haiti’s cultural vanguard, Jacmel kicked off its celebrations on January 18 with street parades featuring dancers, masks, and traditional “rope throwers”, under the theme “Jacmel in Our Dreams.” (Jakmèl nan rèv nou!). According to Vilbrun Emerson, in a post shared on the City Hall’s social media, this theme is part of “a poetic, memorial, and forward-looking approach.” It draws inspiration from the work of writer and poet René Dépestre, a native of Jacmel, who is celebrating his centenary this year.

The launch drew thousands of residents and visitors into the streets for a day of music, dance, visual spectacle and a time to forget the challenges and build hope for the future.

Jacmel Carnival Jan 18, 2026.
Credit: Photo by Fanise Davide Lejustal for The Haitian Times.

Part of the focus Community hygiene and sanitation training and is ongoing in Ferrier. The Rotarians are highly committed and determined to see the project through to completion and ensure access to water for the community of Artaud, it has also been very encouraging to observe the strong involvement of local authorities and community leaders. The mayor, along with other local notables, regularly participates in field meetings and missions. They have shown genuine interest in understanding the project and broader WASH issues, actively contribute ideas, and take part in decision-making processes.

Since we started this project/grant there have been changes to the grant terms. We’ve had to step back to look at the bigger picture for villages beyond the initial target of Artaud. DINEPA, UNOPS, and HANWASH determined that a second well would be advisable. So our new approach: Use remaining grant funds for the second well, pumphouse, and the training; UNOPS and DINEPA then take over the build out of the system. DINEPA, UNOPS, and Rotary International grant advisors agreed to this approach. We have started the second well and water testing is ongoing. We are very pleased with the progress and new direction.

The introduction of a reliable, chlorinated, household-level water service operated by Sous Lavi marked a turning point. families can now access drinking water directly at home, day and night, simply by opening a tap. This reliability transformed daily routines and reduced stress, especially for households receiving guests, running small businesses, or caring for children. “Now, if someone comes to my house, I just open the tap and fill my tank. I’m not afraid anymore,” shared one subscriber.

Health and hygiene outcomes improved alongside access. While some residents cautiously noted the absence of formal health studies, most declared having observed fewer cases of diarrhoea and water-related illness, especially among children. Beyond individual households, the water system reshaped social relations.

Several subscribers described sharing water with neighbours in need: elderly households, new arrivals, or families facing hardship. One resident shared, “I give two drums of water every week to a neighbour who is struggling. I don’t sell it. Water is life.” Access to water strengthened solidarity rather than competition.

Today, the Pignon water system stands as more than infrastructure. It represents trust and improved quality of life. As one subscriber summarized simply:
“The biggest change is peace of mind. I know water is there when I need it.”

The mayor emphasized that leadership training helped local officials “update” their understanding of governance and service management, enabling them to play a more active role in guiding and supervising WASH services. The major says: ““There are things we did not know before, and through this HANWASH project, we came to understand them.”

Overall, the most significant change is that WASH is no longer seen as an external project but as a locally governed public service. The mayor described the HANWASH–Rotary partnership not as a transactional relationship but as a service to the population, enabling the municipality to fulfil its role more effectively.

“The population benefits. The municipality benefits. This partnership helps us move faster.”

Hansae Resumes Production in Haiti and Eyes Expansion as Stability Improves

This article was written by Jun Chung, vice president of strategy and planning at South Korean-based textile and garment manufacturing group Hansae.
International headlines often paint Haiti as a nation gripped by crisis—from political unrest and economic hardship to uncertainty about the future and unruly crime. These stories often emphasize the struggles of families forced to make impossible choices, from keeping children in school to putting food on the table.

It was against this backdrop that I traveled to Haiti in July, carrying with me the same expectations shaped by such headlines.

What I found, however, was a reality far more nuanced. The airport in Cap-Haïtien was calm and orderly, the streets were alive with daily commerce and children in bright yellow uniforms played together during recess. International peacekeepers managed traffic quietly in the background while families and businesses went about their routines with determination. Life, community and resilience were everywhere—a sharp contrast to the images I had carried with me. These simple (but vivid) scenes reflected a society seeking normalcy and stability, step by step.

A return to work at Hansae Haiti

This sense of renewal was even more tangible inside Hansae’s Port-au-Prince factory. After the facility suspended operations in early 2024 due to a state of emergency, Hansae Haiti cautiously reopened two production lines that September. As of July 2025, six lines are now active and operating at increasing capacity.

The mood on the factory floor was unmistakable. Workers were eager, focused and visibly proud to be back at work. Several employees told me how critical this job is for their families. Attendance now exceeds 95 percent, efficiency has been improving week by week and there is a palpable sense of momentum. What struck me most was not only the discipline of the workforce but also the optimism that comes from having stable employment once again.

Encouraging shifts are happening outside the factory as well.

In June, a new U.S. ambassador was appointed, bringing with him a background of both military and diplomatic experience. His arrival has been viewed as a sign of stronger international commitment to stabilization efforts. Haiti itself is also preparing for national elections next year—an important step toward building political continuity and credibility.

On the trade front, the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement (HOPE) Act and the Haiti Economic Lift Program (HELP) Act—vital to sustaining Haiti’s apparel sector—are approaching their scheduled expiration in September. Yet momentum in Washington is strongly in favor of extending these trade preference programs, with support from bipartisan lawmakers, major U.S. brands and industry associations like the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). At the same time, shifting tariff policies have made Central America increasingly competitive compared to Asia, positioning Haiti as a more attractive sourcing destination.

Looking ahead

Haiti’s history is complex, shaped by centuries of hardship and resilience. But what stood out most during my visit was the determination of its people to keep moving forward. At Hansae Haiti, we are preparing to expand operations to 16 lines by the end of 2025, building on the existing infrastructure and the commitment of our workforce.

For Hansae, Haiti is not only an additional source of production capacity, but a strategic foothold in Central America, where demand for reliable and cost-competitive manufacturing continues to grow. For the employees I met, however, it represents something more personal: stability, livelihood and the chance to build a brighter future for their families.

As my plane departed Port-au Prince, I reflected on the gap between the images so often portrayed in the news and the reality I witnessed firsthand. Haiti is indeed facing challenges, but it is also a country of remarkable resilience and potential. Step by step, progress is being made—and Hansae is proud to be part of that journey.