Haiti is facing a prolonged period of economic decline, social tension, political instability, and deep insecurity. This situation, exacerbated by a surge in gang violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and beyond, has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee, leaving everything behind.

Despite these endless and repeated crises, resilience and innovation continue to emerge. One such story is that of Pierre Louis Samuel, a young man from Carrefour-Feuille, a neighborhood near Port-au-Prince, who was forced to flee his home due to violence. He now lives in an annex of the Ministry of National Education, converted into a displacement site. Despite difficult conditions, Pierre has found a way to use his skills to bring positive change to his community.

An Innovative Spirit Serving the Community

Pierre Louis Samuel is no ordinary young man. With determination and a creative spirit, he decided to use his knowledge of plastic waste recycling to improve the lives of those around him. At the site where he now lives, Pierre transforms discarded plastics into useful products such as brooms, bags, and handmade items. His initiative not only helps reduce waste but also restores practical goods to the residents of the site.

“When I saw the amount of plastic waste here, I felt I had to act. Not only does it pollute our environment, but it also causes illness. Through recycling, we can make our surroundings cleaner and safer,” he says.

A Positive Impact on Children

“I used to see plastic bottles as trash. But now, thanks to Pierre, I know I can turn them into something useful. I like making bags and brooms,” shares one of the children.

Pierre’s training sessions provide children with an uplifting and educational activity, helping them cope with the trauma of violence and displacement.

Marie Heureuse Nicole, a survivor of violence whose home was burned down, lost everything and now struggles to meet her children’s basic needs. Yet, she testifies: “What this young man is doing is incredible. He’s not just helping us keep the site clean, he’s giving our children a chance to learn something new and useful. I’m so proud of what they’re doing.”

Plastic packaging poses serious problems in Haiti. Unmanaged waste becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue. During the rainy season, it clogs drainage systems, causing devastating floods. Moreover, trash-blocked roads hinder mobility and access to essential services.

IOM Support and Pierre’s Dreams

Residents at the site receive various forms of assistance from IOM, including medical care, psychosocial support sessions, essential items like blankets and hygiene kits, water delivery, and more.

Pierre is thankful for this support and shares even bigger dreams. He hopes to improve and expand his recycling and crafting skills. His ultimate goal is to create a socially driven recycling enterprise that could support his wider community.

“My dream isn’t to leave Haiti. I want to open a large recycling center in Port-au-Prince. I still lack the means to do it, but imagine if our capital became one of the cleanest cities in the world through our collective efforts.”

Despite the many challenges he faces, Pierre Louis Samuel remains hopeful. As the country continues to battle violence and instability, people like Pierre prove that even in the darkest times, there are sparks of hope and opportunities for positive change.

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