A place of Joy and Safety: The Safe Park du Sud
With UNICEF’s support, children in Les Cayes now have a space to play and grow in safety.
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Five months ago, in the heart of Les Cayes, something refreshing happened. Children poured into a bright, welcoming space, their eyes lighting up, their laughter filling the air. For the first time in a long while, they had a safe, peaceful place of their own. The Safe Park du Sud had opened its doors, and with it, a wave of joy had arrived.
Before the Safe Park existed, there was nowhere for children to go. After the earthquake of 14 August 2021, many public spaces had turned into shelters leaving children without a place they can call their own. The streets became the only option for play, exposing them to risks and denying them the joy of simply being children. The Safe Park was the result of this heartbreaking reality: the need for a sanctuary in the middle of chaos.
The park, established by UNICEF with financial support of the Swiss Government and the MSC Foundation, and in collaboration with the Institute for Social Welfare and Research (IBESR), is built from two 20-foot reconditioned containers and is strong enough to withstand earthquakes and storms. It offers an open courtyard for sports and games, and indoor areas for reading, drawing, music, and psychosocial support. Children can play soccer, create crafts, sing, and share stories, all in a safe space equipped with sanitation facilities and solar power. The Safe Park gives every child the chance to feel safe, connected, and inspired.
Furthermore, children can get a light snack during their visits, and staff trained by IBESR are available to offer guidance, support, and referrals for medical, educational, or social services when needed. Through activities focused on life skills, gender-based violence prevention, and positive parenting, children and families find support, safety, and a place to grow together.
When we were told about the opening of the space, we were eager to participate in the activities, as we greatly needed them in the community making bracelets and doing art — help us a lot, we have beautiful memories, and we pray for the afternoons to come quickly so we can come here.
In Les Cayes, where families face daily challenges, the Safe Park is now a symbol of what’s possible: a place where children can laugh, learn, and simply be children again, in safety, with dignity, and with hope.
After focusing on construction in its first year, the project will expand to offer even more activities for children and parents, helping the park become a lasting part of the community. Managed by IBESR, this space will continue to serve as a safe and supportive environment for years to come.
