Haiti Assistance Fund: The CESSA in Port-au-Prince, where invisible wounds are seen and healed
In Port-au-Prince, the rapid rise of armed gangs has plunged the population into fear. Daily attacks, kidnappings, and acts of violence are forcing thousands of families to flee their neighbourhoods, abandoning their homes, memories, and sense of safety.
The deserted streets bear witness to the anguish of a terrified population—especially children—who have been abruptly torn from their normal lives. In this context of crisis, the Centre for Spirituality and Mental Health (CESSA) remains an essential guiding light.
Created by the Montfort Missionaries after the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010—which killed nearly 350,000 people—the centre was established to respond to the urgent psychological needs of those most affected and has continued to serve vulnerable populations ever since.
Faced with escalating gang violence and mass displacement, CESSA reached out to the Roncalli International Foundation for support to expand its work.
“Life does not stop at the problems that are now part of our daily lives. On the contrary, it is at the very heart of these difficulties that appropriate responses must be found.”
Reverend Father Jean-Jacques St. Louis, Provincial Superior of the Montfort Fathers in Haiti
Delivered through structured sessions and seminars, these trainings equip participants with the tools of the CESSA approach, enabling them to become strong and inspiring role models for children. This work paves the way for a future in which young people affected by violence can rediscover joy, inner peace, and the confidence they need to heal from emotional wounds.
Teachers and therapists now know how to recognize and mitigate the trauma experienced by displaced young people, offering them emotional stability and a sense of safety in an environment profoundly shaken by violence.
They are currently working in 17 schools in the most affected communities of Port-au-Prince, reaching 550 at-risk students.
Anchored in local resources, these training offers a vital and hopeful response to today’s crisis. By equipping teachers and therapists with the tools to support traumatized children, they help rebuild stability where fear has taken hold. Each trained participant becomes a small beacon of hope—showing that healing and resilience remain possible, even in the midst of turmoil.