Our Story

OKIPE  began with a simple but powerful idea: that no child should be forgotten.

For many years, visitors travelling to La Gonâve, Haiti encountered a woman whose compassion was changing lives one child at a time — Mme Soliette, founder of The Jesus Home for Children of La Gonâve. What started as a small act of care for vulnerable children gradually became a growing family and a growing vision.

​

People from different countries, churches, and backgrounds would leave Haiti deeply moved by the children they met and the resilience they witnessed. Many wanted to help, but they also realised that lasting change required more than occasional donations. It required relationship, long-term commitment, and a shared vision for the future.

In 2011, those “Friends of the Orphanage” came together to form OKIPE — a cooperative effort dedicated to supporting the long-term security, care, and development of the children and community on La Gonâve. The name Okipe comes from the Haitian Creole word meaning “to look after.”

​

Together with Mme Soliette and local Haitian leadership, the vision expanded beyond simply meeting immediate needs. The dream became creating a safe and loving Children’s Village where children could thrive — not merely survive. A place where they could learn, play, grow in confidence, receive education and healthcare, and experience the stability of family-style homes with dedicated house mothers.

​

Today, OKIPE continues to stand alongside the children and people of La Gonâve through partnership, practical support, education, community development, and hope. We believe real transformation happens through relationships, dignity, and empowering local people to shape a better future for their own communities.

​

Haiti has faced immense challenges over the years — political instability, natural disasters, poverty, and uncertainty — yet the resilience, joy, and strength of the Haitian people continue to inspire us daily.

​

At the heart of OKIPE is this belief: every child matters, every life has value, and hope grows when people choose to walk together.

We are not simply building projects.

We are building futures.