Digital tools empowering the dreams and voices of Haitian youth
Between creativity and commitment, two young women are using technology to raise their voices and educate their communities.
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In a country where access to information remains unequal and where girls are often underrepresented in public spaces, Kérenstina and Beth-Sarah are forging their own path. They have embraced the opportunities that digital tools offer—using them to speak out, share their ideas, and create platforms for expression and learning for young people and children who are too often overlooked.
A drive to make a difference
At 21, Kérenstina is a dentistry student—but her commitment goes far beyond medicine. Behind her computer screen, she is pursuing a cause close to her heart: making technology accessible to all.
She creates educational videos on how to use digital tools, initiates discussions on mental health via WhatsApp, and hosts live sessions on Instagram to showcase the transformative power of technology.
"I didn’t want to be just a witness. I wanted to create a space where we learn, stay informed, and act," she explains.
Beth-Sarah, 19, is passionate about words. She describes herself as a literary activist—dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to reading through digital platforms.
She hosts online literary shows, creates audio reading playlists on YouTube, and shares book excerpts on TikTok.
Her goal: to help every child, even those without access to a library, dream through the power of words.
"Technology allowed me to reach children I would never have met in real life," she says.
Digital tools as a bridge to hope
Both young women dream of creating educational apps tailored to Haitian children, launching digital training projects for girls, and making online spaces safer and more inclusive.
"It may not have seemed like much on paper, but launching my own initiative was one of the most powerful moments of my life," says Kérenstina.
Being a girl online isn’t always easy
Neither Kérenstina nor Beth-Sarah shy away from the challenges. Kérenstina speaks of sexist comments under her videos. Beth-Sarah recalls the doubts her relatives expressed about her online activism.
Both constantly have to prove that being active online also means advocating, educating, and building a future.
"People said to me: ‘Why don’t you do this in a real school?’ But my classroom is Instagram. My blackboard is my phone," says Beth-Sarah.
These two young women are more than voices—they are drivers of change. Their stories remind us that when girls are empowered to express themselves, they become agents of transformation.
UNICEF supports initiatives like U-Report to amplify young people’s voices and encourage their civic engagement—both online and in their communities. It’s up to us to create more safe spaces and opportunities so they can continue shaping the future.
