Gerye Jwa
Meet the Joy Warriors
The landscape and life in Haiti forever changed following a devastating earthquake in 2010. Growing up in a country plagued by poverty, devastating natural disasters, and political volatility, children face extremely difficult circumstances. Gerye Jwa (which directly translated from Creole means "Joy Warriors") dedicate their lives to helping the children of Haiti find joy and have the childhood they deserve. Gerye Jwa spread the power of optimism to children and caregivers throughout Port-au-Prince, even in the face of risk to their own personal safety.
"I realized that as a childcare professional I was uniquely positioned to create and cultivate optimal environments for children to connect, engage and explore." -Jean Guerson Sanon, Gerye Jwa Executive Director
Playmaker Spotlight
Jean Guerson Sanon (front) – better known as, Rishi – is, today, Gerye Jwa's Executive Director. He met, and eventually partnered with Founder and Chief Playmaker Steve Gross, in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. A Playmaker training he attended soon after the earthquake changed his outlook.
Celebrate Strength
The Gerye Jwa team is committed to using music as a tool to heal and strengthen children. "Gerye Jwa: Songs for Haiti" is a compilation of original music that celebrates the strength, joy, and creativity of the Haitian people. These 10 songs were written by Haitian musicians, and Playmakers, Rebel Layonn and Steeve Piere Andre Moise. Stream for free on SoundCloud.
