About Us
Who We Are
Our foundation draws inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Ma’at, African and Indigenous ancestral traditions, and the belief that humanity must live in harmony with the natural world.
Our work began in rural Haiti, where we established a presence within existing schools and community organizations rather than investing heavily in constructing new facilities. This approach allows us to direct more resources toward programs, local employment, and essential services.
Our approach brings together spiritual education, financial literacy, sustainable development, and humanitarian service. True empowerment creates opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and build self-sufficient futures.
Our Mission
To empower individuals and communities through ancestral knowledge, education, financial literacy, innovation, and sustainable development while promoting the universal principles of Ma’at.
Our Vision
A world where humanity lives in harmony with nature, knowledge is accessible to all, cultural heritage is preserved, and communities possess the resources and opportunities to determine their own futures.
Core values
What guides us
Community First
We prioritize the needs, knowledge, dignity, and participation of the communities we serve.
Self-Sufficiency
We develop programs that strengthen independence rather than create long-term dependency.
Transparency & Accountability
We believe development resources must produce measurable benefits for the people they are intended to support.
Education & Innovation
We recognize knowledge, technology, and practical skills as essential tools for economic advancement.
Environmental Responsibility
We promote sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and responsible management of natural resources.
Collaboration
We work alongside existing organizations, community leaders, and strategic partners to maximize impact.
Our story
Understanding the Challenges. Building Sustainable Solutions.
How can a nation so rich in natural resources, agricultural potential, and human talent continue to face significant economic challenges?
Our founder, Christina Lory Milfort, spent several years working directly within rural Haitian communities to better understand the barriers preventing sustainable economic development. The initial years were dedicated to field research, agricultural exploration, community engagement, and identifying gaps in existing development systems.
Through direct engagement with residents, farmers, educators, and local organizations, we gained valuable insight into the challenges affecting rural communities. We recognized that meaningful progress requires more than short-term assistance: it requires reliable infrastructure, practical education, access to healthcare, local employment, agricultural productivity, and economic systems that allow communities to benefit from their own resources.
A Different Approach to Community Development
LAAHKU does not believe that every development initiative requires a new building. Instead, we identify existing community institutions and strengthen their capacity — focusing resources on essential services, local employment, and community programs that can be sustained and expanded over time.
Where we work
Reaching Communities Beyond the Main Roads
Our work has focused on underserved rural communities in Haiti's Sud-Est region, including areas surrounding Jacmel, where many households have limited access to electricity, healthcare, education, and economic opportunity.
Cap Rouge
A rural community where our work has included educational support, community engagement, and initiatives focused on improving access to essential resources.
Imola
Community outreach focused on identifying local needs and supporting practical development opportunities.
OPADEL
Collaboration with existing community infrastructure and local partners to support sustainable development initiatives.
Bwa Bèf
Community engagement and support for underserved households facing infrastructure and economic challenges.
Lamontagne
A rural area where our initiatives have emphasized community development, resource access, and opportunities for long-term sustainability.
Protecting the Communities We Serve
For the safety and privacy of vulnerable residents, particularly children, LAAHKU does not publicly disclose the precise locations of certain programs or facilities.
Our development model
Strengthening What Already Exists
1. Listen
Engage directly with communities to understand their needs, priorities, and existing strengths.
2. Assess
Identify gaps in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and economic opportunity.
3. Collaborate
Build relationships with schools, community organizations, local leaders, and strategic partners.
4. Implement
Support practical initiatives that address identified needs and create measurable improvements.
5. Sustain
Develop local capacity, employment opportunities, and systems that encourage long-term independence.
We don't believe in replacing communities' existing structures. We believe in helping them become stronger.