On June 5, the world paused to mark World Environment Day: a global moment to raise awareness and take action to protect our planet. For many, the day is an opportunity to reflect on urgent challenges like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. For the rural communities we partner with across Haiti, it became a reason to celebrate and advocate for environmental responsibility.
This celebration came amidst incredibly difficult circumstances. Across Haiti, communities face extreme instability and hardship. From political unrest to economic uncertainty, the challenges are real and ongoing. And yet, in the face of all this, a movement of hope continues to rise.
In the hills and watersheds where Plant With Purpose partners with farming communities, this year’s World Environment Day was a vibrant display of resilience and purpose. Throughout each watershed where we work, students, farmers, and community leaders came together to celebrate the environment and highlight the importance of stewardship.
In many communities, children led parades through the streets, carrying signs that proclaimed messages like “For environmental protection.” These parades drew neighbors together and put a spotlight on the environmental education taking place in schools partnered with Plant With Purpose.
Tree planting was a key part of the day’s events. Across different parts of Haiti, children and adults alike took part in planting trees as a tangible act of care for creation and investment in the future. Often, a community site was selected to be reforested, reinforcing the message that restoration is both collective and local.
Students who had participated in Plant With Purpose's school-based environmental education program were recognized and awarded for their participation. These programs build knowledge and cultivate a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and the role students can play in addressing them.
In some areas, the celebrations included conferences and public forums. These gatherings offered community members the opportunity to discuss local environmental challenges, share knowledge, and explore solutions together.
The theme of this year’s celebration was clear: “Stop poisoning the earth with plastic waste!” It was a bold and timely message, calling attention to the growing crisis of plastic pollution and its impact on land, water, and people. It served as both a warning and an invitation—a challenge to rethink consumption and a call to action for communities to unite in protection of their shared environment.
Behind these visible celebrations lies an even deeper reason to rejoice. Our Haiti program is thriving. Despite the many national challenges, the resilience and dedication of rural communities continue to exceed expectations. Already this year, our program has:
- Trained over 20,000 farmers in sustainable agriculture
- Formed 12 new church partnerships
- Supported over 600 Purpose Groups
All of this has happened with three months still remaining in the program year, a testament to the strength and commitment of our partners in Haiti.
When the daily realities of most Haitians are sobering, it is also essential that we share stories of hope. Stories of communities coming together. Of students leading parades and planting trees.
World Environment Day is just one example of the spirit we see every day in Haiti. It reminds us that even in times of instability, people find ways to celebrate, educate, and care for creation.
