In Léogâne, Traditional Games Bring Haitian Children Back to Play

LÉOGÂNE, Haiti — More than 200 people, including over 100 children, gathered Aug. 15 in the courtyard of Anacaona High School for the first edition of 'Ann Jwe Ansanm' — Haitian Creole for 'Let's Play Together' — according to The Haitian Times. For seven hours, children traded phones and screens for jump ropes, dominoes, cards, hopscotch, knucklebones, mancala, chess and other board games in the town, located about 21 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince. The event was organized by youth group Yogann An Mouvman (YAV), meaning 'Léogâne in Movement,' in partnership with the grassroots organization Integrated Women of Haiti (FIH). Organizers said the initiative aims to revive traditional Haitian games that are disappearing from younger generations' daily lives. 'We must preserve our traditional games, which are in decline, revive them among young people and adults,' said Clifford Lanéus, YAV's assistant coordinator, adding he had observed children spending more free time on social media. Children from orphanages and care centers attended with caregivers after invitations from FIH. Parents joined in, connecting childhood memories with a younger generation. Phara Bazile Laguerre, 49, who attended with her three children, said mancala remains her favorite game, per The Haitian Times.