Building Skills Through Sports
With USAID support, a Haitian organization uplifts youth and spreads a message of unity amid security challenges
In the heart of Haiti’s tumultuous landscape, where peace feels like a distant dream, one USAID-supported local organization shines a light of hope for disadvantaged youth in the capital city of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
Fourteen years ago, Jacques Bourjolly, Jr., known as “Kako,” started Kako’s Kids as a lifeline for children and adolescents in need. Today, the organization stands as a symbol of hope and opportunity, offering youth from underprivileged backgrounds access to sports and education. But it’s not just about honing skills — Kako’s Kids brings people together and helps uplift neighborhoods.
The work of Kako’s Kids is as critical as ever. A 2021 earthquake damaged or destroyed more than 1,300 schools in the south, disrupting learning for over 300,000 students. In 2022, gang violence and insecurity pushed 500,000 children out of the classroom, after about 1,700 schools in Port-au-Prince were forced to close.
However, the organization’s financial struggles threatened to dim this light. Amid economic and political upheaval in Haiti, access to funds remained scarce. Kako’s Kids faced tough times as support from the private sector dwindled, leaving its operations in jeopardy. Luckily, Konbit d’Experts, a part of USAID’s Civil Society Strengthening Project, helped secure funding to keep Kako’s Kids programs running.
USAID’s support was a game changer. Through this project, Kako’s Kids received guidance from Konbit d’Experts on how to structure a funding request proposal that enabled them to secure international donor funding for the first time.
This new funding stream allowed Kako’s Kids to launch several youth engagement activities, such as a soccer tournament involving 16 local schools that promote teamwork and inclusivity among the boys’ and girls’ teams.
“It’s been a tough road, but Kako’s Kids has been a ray of hope for kids and communities,” Kako said. “With support from USAID through Konbit d’Experts, we’re continuing to make dreams happen. The tournament is just the beginning.”
The support from USAID didn’t stop there. Through media campaigns and social network promotions, Kako’s Kids spread a message of unity and community spirit, reaching far beyond the playing field. The outreach was a reminder that when local partners and community members work together, they can create a brighter future for everyone.
Despite Haiti’s security challenges, Kako’s Kids remains committed to supporting orphanages, maintaining youth fields, and providing essentials like toys, clothes, and educational materials to those in need. Their summer basketball camps and Christmas dinners continue to bring joy to street children year after year.
“USAID support has been invaluable, empowering local organizations like Kako’s Kids to make a real difference within communities,” said the project’s Chief of Party Christine Sainvil.
“Join the movement, become a Konbit d’Experts, and spread hope and positivity in Haiti.”
Through these efforts with Kako’s Kids, USAID is investing in youth and partnering with community organizations to address local challenges in Haiti.
“We’re building communities one game at a time,” Kako said. “We’re not just playing games — we’re changing lives.”
About the Author
Christine M. Sainvil is Chief Of Party for the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Program at Papyrus, a local implementing partner.
