Get to know us | Prodev Foundation

EDUCATION
POWERED BY TEAMWORK

PRODEV THROUGH THE YEARS

The Origins: The Vision of Max Pénette

PRODEV (Progress and Development) was founded in 1995 by the late Max Pénette and his daughter, Maryse Pénette-Kedar, former Secretary of State for Tourism of Haiti.

A visionary in education and profoundly humanist, Max Pénette was one of Haiti’s most respected and influential educators. He devoted most of his career to teaching mathematics, imparting not only knowledge but also intellectual rigor and curiosity that shaped many generations of students.

He strongly defended the right of Haitian children to be heard, respected, and supported in their personal development.

His intellectual and moral legacy remains at the heart of PRODEV’s mission, which continues to build on his conviction that every Haitian child deserves quality education, a nurturing environment, and a fair chance to succeed.

Scholarships and Education for Vulnerable Youth

During its first fifteen years, PRODEV awarded scholarships to underprivileged Haitian children and was a pioneer in educating incarcerated youth, giving them a second chance to learn and rebuild their lives.

These initiatives helped drive major systemic reforms, including the creation of a dedicated section within Delmas 33 prison specifically for Haitian children in conflict with the law. This measure made it possible to separate them from adult detainees, thereby better protecting their rights and safety.

They also led to the introduction of educational projects for detained minors, providing them with a second chance at learning and social reintegration.

Teacher Training and Adult Literacy

As PRODEV’s work in education expanded, it became increasingly evident that many educators lacked the training and support necessary to deliver high-quality instruction. In response, RODEV launched its Teacher Training Program to:

strengthen pedagogical skills,
promote child-centered approaches,
create safer and more inclusive learning environments.

At the same time, PRODEV initiated an adult literacy project in partnership with Caribbean Craft, enabling factory workers to improve their basic skills and expand their professional opportunities.

Emergency Response and Reconstruction

After the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, PRODEV launched Kay Ti Moun, an emergency education program that brought learning directly into many displacement camps. This initiative combined psychosocial support with educational activities, providing children with a structured and reassuring environment in the midst of surrounding chaos.

That same year, PRODEV built its first school, École Nouvelle Zoranje, in Village la Renaissance, north of Cité Soleil, providing free education to more than 500 children. Alongside it, the Lourie Community Center was established as a safe space for cultural, educational, and vocational activities, helping to reduce local delinquency in Village la Renaissance, also known as Zoranje.

To further extend its impact, PRODEV also began managing additional schools through strategic partnerships: École Nouvelle Royal Caribbean in Cap-Haïtien (with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line), École de Lac Azuei in Ganthier, and École Mixte Union des Apôtres in Cité Soleil.

Engaging the Diaspora

PRODEV established PRODEV USA Foundation, Inc. to expand its presence in the United States, mobilize the Haitian diaspora, and build sustainable funding partnerships that directly support transformative education in Haiti. Through our engagement with the diaspora, we have seen a strong desire to help—paired with a need for clearer insight into the real barriers Haitian children face in accessing quality education.

PRODEV USA educates, informs, and engages supporters and allies around the systemic changes required to place Haiti on a path toward long-term, sustainable development. Our approach goes beyond supporting a single school; it focuses on strengthening and reengineering the educational system so that every investment creates lasting, measurable impact.

Toward More Resilient Communities

PRODEV’s growing presence in education revealed that communities needed more than classrooms to thrive. To address this need, PRODEV expanded its mission with two new programs:

the Skills Building & Livelihood Program, offering vocational training and income opportunities for youth,
the Health & Wellness Program, focused on health, psychosocial support, and community care.

Consolidation and Innovation

At the request of Hand in Hand for Haiti, which founded and built the Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable school in Saint-Marc, PRODEV was invited to take over its management. With more than 250 students, the Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable School quickly distinguished itself through excellent academic results and strong performances in cultural and athletic competitions, becoming a model of resilience and excellence within its community.

PRODEV also launched Jaden Lekòl (School Gardens), a school-based agriculture project that raises children’s awareness about nutrition while combating malnutrition and improving family diets.

Digital Education and Community Outreach

To equip students with 21st-century skills, PRODEV launched PRODEVTEK, a project introducing coding, robotics, and digital technologies.

That same year, in response to school closures caused by the socio-political crisis, PRODEV created Lekòl Katye, an initiative where teachers go directly into neighborhoods to ensure continuity of learning and maintain the educational connection with children.

Our Vision

Our vision is that one day, all citizens have access to education and are empowered to take an active role in building a just and democratic society in Haiti.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide Quality and Transformative education to children living in underserved communities by developing, managing, and supporting schools and centers.

Max Pénette

Co-founder & Board Chair

1995-2010

Maryse Pénette-Kedar

Co-founder & Board Chair

Since 2010

Daniel Kedar

Co-Founder

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Founded by visionary leaders committed to Haiti’s future, PRODEV was established to ensure access to quality education for underserved children. The late Max Pénette and his daughter Maryse Pénette-Kedar envisioned an inclusive, community-driven model to uplift families and promote Haiti’s development through education. Their unwavering leadership continues to guide the organization through Haiti’s many challenges.

Rock André

Paula Coles

Ariel Dominique

Daura Dutour

Cynthia Jaar Handal

Judith Joseph

William McIntosh

Sofia Nadal

Carel Pedre

Loune Viaud

OUR DEDICATED BOARD MEMBERS

Our Board Members bring expertise, passion, and dedication to PRODEV’s mission. With their guidance, we continue to create lasting opportunities for children and communities in Haiti. Their leadership ensures that every initiative is strategic, impactful, and sustainable. Together, they help shape a brighter future for the next generation.

Blaise François Aridou

Chief Executive Officer

Joanne Joseph

Human Resources Director

Samuel Rodolphe

Finance Director

Su-Yen Simon Bertrand

Development Director

Erlain Germain

Program & Headquarters Office Director

Luckner Guerrier

Project Manager & South Office Director

Daphnée Chéry

Logistic Manager

Edris Allonce

École Nouvelle Zoranje Director

Marie Daniel Damas

École Nouvelle Royale Caribbean Director

Fabrice Délinois

Lourie Community Center Manager

PRODEV’s executive team is composed of dedicated professionals committed to expanding access to quality education across Haiti. With a deep understanding of local challenges, they lead with resilience, innovation, and integrity. Their work ensures that children in underserved communities access quality education, despite adversity. United by purpose, they drive the organization’s impact forward with unswerving dedication.

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Lucienne Brutus (Please remove background).jpg

Lucienne “Milou” Brutus

2018 - 2020

Claudia Labissière

2012 - 2018

Madeline Tibel

2011 - 2012

Milena Sanders

2010 - 2011

OUR PREVIOUS EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

OUR PARTNERS

We prioritize impact and sustainability by partnering with local and international organizations that share our commitment to improving the lives of children through education. These strategic partnerships have been instrumental in PRODEV’s growth and expansion across Haiti.

Our on-the-ground expertise, child-centered approach, and deep understanding of Haiti’s educational and social context strengthen our partners’ ability to achieve their programmatic goals. We work collaboratively to ensure that resources are used effectively and that initiatives deliver measurable, lasting results.

Grounded in transparency and accountability, PRODEV takes pride in being a trusted partner to organizations and donors alike. We are driven by the belief that every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

Join Our Network Of Partners

See All Our Partners

ANNUAL REPORT

PRODEV’s 2024–2025 Annual Report highlights our unwavering commitment to education and community resilience during one of Haiti’s most turbulent periods. In the face of violence, insecurity, and instability, we remained determined to work in the trenches,adapting, responding, and growing to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Together, we keep building pathways to opportunity and hope