Community Presence

Praxis has built its mission and vision on the recognition that communities and individuals must be engaged holistically. It is because of this vision that Steven and Gina Concepcion, founding members of Praxis moved their families from Tampa, FL into the rural community of Lavanneau, Haiti.

Gina Celcis Concepcion is Haitian with family roots that can be traced back to six generations in Haiti and more specifically in the Jacmel/Lavanneau region. By relocating, the Concepcions have had the privilege of interacting with their neighbors in a way that would not be possible with occasional visits. Living in this rural community has given them a sense of the culture while sharing in the struggles as well as the joys of the people around them. All programs implemented by Praxis Haiti come from community input and town hall meetings; thus having a local presence allows the team to have firsthand knowledge of the needs of those they seek to serve. This approach is a crucial element to the success of the various programs Praxis Haiti implements.

Programs such as the culinary and basic agronomy classes and the merit scholarships have all benefited greatly from this “on the ground” approach that differentiates Praxis from many other development efforts in Haiti.