Overview:
Haitian influencer Ariana Milagro Lafond, 19, received the Home of Problem international competitors in Togo, highlighting youth-led options to meals insecurity and unemployment. Her victory sparked celebrations throughout Haiti and introduced worldwide consideration to Haitian youth innovation.
Haitian influencer Ariana Milagro Lafond, 19, has received the eighth version of the Home of Problem, defeating 11 contestants throughout the April 11 finale in Lomé, Togo.
Undefeated all through the competitors, Lafond secured the highest prize after a last spherical towards Cameroonian finalist MK Michelle. She earned 30 million FCFA (about $50,000), a automobile and an upcoming journey to China.
Her victory shortly sparked celebrations in Haiti, the place youth in a number of neighborhoods throughout Port-au-Prince took to the streets to mark the second.
Within the days main as much as the finale, younger folks in components of the capital and different areas organized avenue cleanups, rallying behind Lafond’s marketing campaign and message.
Representing Haiti on a world stage, Lafond stood out with a venture centered on two of the nation’s most urgent challenges: meals insecurity and youth unemployment. Her proposal goals to offer nutritious meals to kids in underserved communities whereas providing vocational coaching in cultural and visible arts to younger folks throughout Haiti’s 10 departments.
“By serving to kids and younger folks, we construct a stronger future for Haiti.”
Ariana Milagro Lafond
Lafond, 19, a scholar of diplomacy and worldwide relations, has constructed a big following on social media, with about 15 million followers on TikTok and greater than 800,000 on Instagram. She is amongst a rising variety of Haitian digital creators utilizing international platforms to highlight native challenges and options.
The Home of Problem contest brings collectively younger leaders from around the globe to pitch concepts centered on social impression, entrepreneurship and innovation. For Haiti, the place financial hardship and instability proceed to form day by day life, platforms like this supply uncommon alternatives to amplify youth-driven options.
Lafond’s message all through the competitors centered on dignity and alternative.
“Every youngster has the best to develop up wholesome,” she mentioned throughout her pitch. “And each younger particular person deserves the prospect to construct a future.”