Mirebalais, a town in Haiti, located about 37 miles northeast of Port-au-Prince, was once seen by its citizen as a paradise for its green environment, its friendly, safe, and serene social atmosphere. In its own way, it was a vibrant town that was led and managed by people who prioritized social harmony over anything else. Growing up there, kids would feel loved, protected, and safe. They would experience the joy of learning and playing together. Summer months were filled with activities for people of all ages to enjoy. For instance, group excursions, sport events and tournaments, camping, innocent bird hunting with slingshots (sorry for our ignorance back then), hide and seeks, occasional dance parties and concerts, etc. The town was an oasis for many even with its shortcomings.

Neighbors lived close enough to each other to know people’s life stories and struggles. Mirebalaisiens were a big family who saw life mostly for what it was ephemerally speaking. One day at a time. One project at a time. Although socio-economic constraints were less severe as compared to today’s challenges, some people chose to leave in search of better educational and economic opportunities. Some went to the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince. Others left Haiti altogether to settle in the USA, Canada, or France. Ultimately, this slow and innocent migration has resulted in an unsustainable brain drain that has had dire consequences and even feels stronger nowadays. MAT calls on professionals, investors, business leaders, educators, and decision makers to retake the mantle of the town, and to create a path for long term social and economic sustainability and prosperity. Also, citizens abroad and in town can join to become social change agents, contributors, funding partners and supporters for one or many of MAT activities, programs, or projects.