Haiti Gets Social for Extra Impact

Poverty rates in Haiti are high, and every parent wants a good future for their child. What’s known in Haiti as “Restavek” is a system that, on the surface, is supposed to support at-risk kids. In reality, it is a form of child slavery, in which impoverished children live and work as domestic laborers and are deprived of support, freedoms, and safe means of improving their lives. That’s why Population Media Center (PMC) has worked in Haiti since 2013 and made progress on this issue and others, raising awareness around topics like the Restavek system, family planning, and gender equality. Now broadcasting our third show, Zoukoutap 3 (“To Limp”), the team is adding to the powerful radio shows with a four-part social media campaign series aligned with Zoukoutap 3’s four storylines.

In partnership with Save the Children and Restavek Freedom, PMC-Haiti has launched a campaign series to further education on the topics Zoukoutap 3 seeks to address. During the second campaign that ran from July 15th to September 15th, six videos starring Zoukoutap 3 writers, actors, and partnership representatives discussing child protection and children’s rights were featured across Zoukoutap’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

When asked about hopes for the outcome of the campaigns, PMC-Haiti’s deputy representative Christine Boncy spoke to creating awareness around the topics. The campaign has already gained significant traction among viewers; notably one viewer testified that he had been involved with Restavek and pledged his support.

The third campaign on family planning launches in early October. Keep up with it and other Zoukoutap news on Facebook and Instagram.