In the aftermath of Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, the Life is Good Playmaker Project partnered up with Haitian leaders to lead psychosocial playgroups supporting children recovering from acute trauma.

That partnership gave rise to the Life is Good Playmaker Project Ayiti, locally called the Gèrye Jwa ("Joy Warriors") bringing joy, healing, and hope to communities across Haiti. On July 3, 2011, the team opened its office in Delmas and began building the foundation for a community-centered movement led by Haitians, for Haitians.

Our mission is to ensure every child in Haiti grows up feeling safe, loved, and joyful. We do that by helping teachers and caregivers build healing, life-changing relationships with children facing extreme adversity. Why? Because decades of research show that nurturing relationships with attuned adults are the most important protective factor for children who have experienced trauma - and the strongest predictor of children's long-term health and well-being.

According to UNICEF, 3.3 million children in Haiti are growing up amid compounding violence, displacement, political instability, and economic hardship—conditions that put their safety, social-emotional well-being, and healthy development at risk.

The consequences of this chronic stress are also reflected in both educator and caregiver practices. In environments shaped by persistent adversity, even deeply committed adults often lack the tools to respond in ways that promote healing, resilience, and emotional safety. That's where we come in.

Supporting children's healthy development begins with strengthening the adults around them. Through proven trauma-informed training, resources, and ongoing support, the Gèrye Jwa equips both teachers and caregivers with practical tools to create responsive relationships and corrective environments where children can heal and thrive. The result is not only better learning outcomes, but stronger relationships and improved social-emotional wellbeing of both children and the adults closest to them.

Working alongside schools, universities, community organizations, parents, and local leaders, the Gèrye Jwa builds partnerships rooted in a shared commitment to Haiti’s children. Through collaboration, we are able to expand access to training and strengthen the systems of support surrounding children, families, and educators.

Get in touch to explore how we can work together.