Project Overview:
After building relationships with local and transnational organizations like Border of Lights, Reconocido, DREAM Project, Yspaniola in Batey Libertad, and Azueï, we established “Kiskeya Youth” (initially called “Border Solidarity”). In the summer 2024, I traveled to the Dominican Republic with three other Dominican- and Haitian-American students from the University of Florida: Diana Rodriguez, Medgine Michel, and Thaisha Calixte. We worked with several partners to implement Kiskeya Youth’s first youth-led summer program. After developing a 3-week curriculum and plan, we traveled to Cabarete, Sabana Grande de Boyá (or Sabana Larga) and Batey Libertad to implement three iterations of a weeklong historical education summer program and build relationships with community leaders. We conducted 6 oral histories together in Batey Libertad and Cabarete in Haitian Creole and Spanish, and facilitated the creation of 4 murals with Rous Polifaceta from Azueï and Samir Nolasco-Cabrera from DREAM Project. 40 students ages 11-18 participated in historical education programming and mural creation. Our 3 flagship programs now include:
The Young Researchers Program: This program engages youth aged 11-18 and facilitators aged 15-25 in leading Youth Participatory Action Researc (YPAR) primarily with youth in batey communities in the Dominican Republic. Throughout the YPAR process, participants acquire critical historical and legal knowledge, technological literacy, language skills in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, and research experience in the following methodologies: oral history, archival research, PhotoVoice, arts-based research, performance ethnography, surveying and other qualitative research methods. In the “Action Plan” stage—the final stage of YPAR—participants receive microgrants to support the completion of their action plans to address issues in their communities. This program primarily occurs during the summer. We work in partnership with Batey Libertad and Batey Dos.
The Changemakers Program: After participating in the Young Researchers Program, youth aged 15-25 can choose to become a Kiskeya Youth Changemaker to 1) continue growing and expanding their projects and 2) further their career and research skills, college preparation, and critical historical and legal education.
Partnership Projects: Primarily working with partners in Batey Libertad, Batey Dos and bateyes in Sabana Larga, this is the third phase of participation in the program. In this phase, individuals of all ages will have the opportunity to connect either with partners on the island or in the diaspora to work together on community development projects. These may include physical projects such as renovating a basketball court or a church, or less tangible projects such as educational programming, etc.
Our Instagram account is @Kiskeya.Youth.
Oral Histories
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Tisane
Tisane is a resident of Batey Libertad. He immigrated to the Dominican Republic for work, and shares wishes of a better life for his children.
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Toussaint
Toussaint is a resident of Batey Libertad. He is respected for his leadership in the local church. His interview is in the process of being transcribed and translated.
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Guerline
Guerline was born in Haiti. She moved to the Dominican Republic a few years ago. Her story is in the process of being transcribed and translated into Spanish and English.
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Phillip
Phillip is a resident of Batey Libertad. His interview is currently being transcribed.
Youth Historical Education Summer Program
The Kiskeya Youth team implemented our first 3-week summer program under the name “Solidaridad Fronteriza/Solidaritè Fwontyè” from July to August 2024.
Image Set A
Image Set C
Azueï & DREAM Project Murals
Our deliverable goal was to ensure the painting of 3 murals across the Dominican Republic working with the arts organization Azueï. Azueï specifically focuses on creating art that highlights the unity, ties and commonality between people across the island of Hispaniola. We exceeded our goal and worked with Samir Nolasco-Cabrera from DREAM Project and Rous Polifaceta from Azueï to construct four murals. Image Set A showcases the DREAM Project Haitian-Dominican unity mural created by Samir Nolasco-Cabrera in Cabarete. The other 3 image sets highlight images of the murals created by Rous Polifaceta in collaboration with community members and Kiskeya Youth team members.
Image Set D
Image Set B
