I grew up in Cite Soleil, one of Haiti's most marginalized neighborhoods. I lived through the descrimination and stigma that people have against my community. But I also know how many incredible, brave, talented young people there are in Cite Soleil - and how we need to start to value them as members of Haitian society.

In 2014, I decided to take a stand and do what I could to support the incredible young men and women in my community. I launched the Cite Soleil Peace Prize, an annual initiative to honor ordinary young people that are doing extraordinary things to make life better for their neighborhoods in Cite Soleil. I want the world to recognize the potential in our community, and I want our young people to recognize the potential in themselves.

-Louino Robillard, MA