What is the KANPE Foundation

In Haitian creole, “kanpe” means to stand up. The KANPE Foundation was founded by Dominique Anglade and Régine Chassagne, two-well known members of the Haitian diaspora in Canada.  Régine is co-founder of the internationally renowned band, Arcade Fire, and Dominique is a prominent leader in the National Assembly of Quebec’s national assembly.  Together, they founded KANPE days before the 2010 earthquake devastated Haiti.  As if by destiny, KANPE became a foundation that brings support to the most vulnerable communities in Haiti to help them achieve autonomy, so that they can “stand up”. 

KANPE is active in the Central Plateau region of Haiti, in a municipality called Thomonde, and more specifically in the community of Baille Tourible. This region is extremely remote, in mountainous terrain, geographically isolated with difficult access by road, and without any municipal services (no electricity, no internet, sanitation, water services).  The area is also severely affected by deforestation, erosion causing declining agricultural production and extreme poverty.  

We give the poorest a voice so that they can express their needs, priorities, and goals, and we work with strong local Haitian organizations who bring skills, knowledge, tools, and training to guide the community towards autonomy by focusing on six pillars:  health, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership, and local infrastructure strengthening. Our role is to ensure this community is accompanied by Haitian organizations who bring the complementary skills, knowledge, tools, and training necessary to provide guidance on the path to autonomy.

The vision

In May 2018, KANPE and the Humanos Institute conducted a survey in Baille Tourible, using the Design Thinking methodology. The goal was to determine the need and priorities of the community, as expressed by its population.  In September 2018, MASS Design (an architectural firm renowned for its hospital and school construction projects in Africa and Haiti) visited Baille Tourible to meet community members and determine the site for the campus and visualize the project.

The community pointed to an urgent need and desire to reinforce the existing educational structure for the youth and to offer technical training for adults. They also expressed the need to integrate agriculture activities to the school programs. 

In order to maximize the existing infrastructure, reduce costs, and serve the entire community’s needs and priorities, and in discussion with local community members, the idea of a campus came as an integrated and holistic solution.

The KANPE supported campus will be a model for economic growth in Haiti’s Central Plateau. The campus will focus on education for all ages and will work in synergy with the medical clinic and the agriculture programs. It aims to have construction integrate with the local workforce, using local resources and building techniques. 

The project