In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of Haitian professionals and socio-professionals came together with the objective of responding to the needs of newly arrived immigrants from Haiti. The initiative also aimed to establish a cultural centre to promote mutual support within the community, as well as to showcase Haitian culture and gastronomy.
Another key goal was to foster the integration of Francophones in the Greater Toronto Area, many of whom were experiencing isolation, by creating a dedicated community space for networking, solidarity, and collective empowerment in response to the challenges of the time.
Among the founding members and early contributors were: Léo Brun, Jennyne Mayard, Kensly Saint-Jean, Evna Dieudonné, Myrtho, Rony Désir, and Johanne Marcellus.
Due to time constraints and the absence of fully developed operational strategies, activities were temporarily suspended.
In November 2024, the organization resumed its activities with renewed energy and structure. This relaunch was marked by the launch of the PIEJ project, in partnership with our Montreal-based partner Lakay Media, as part of a broader effort to reorganize and strengthen the initiative.
Key contributors to this relaunch phase include: Rony Désir, Bermann Durogene, Marie Altagrace Honorat, Yves Midy, Myrlande Presmy, Marie Jude Désir, and Jennica Merzier.
This new phase reflects a renewed commitment to structuring the organization and increasing its impact within the community.