For over a year, Sister Francelène Labbé of Haiti has been a powerful advocate for people in need. After completing the Learning for Humanity (L4H) Advocacy Path, she tackled a critical, often overlooked issue: the lack of latrines where people need them the most. In a country where political instability, economic hardship, and ongoing crises leave basic needs like sanitation neglected, many communities suffer from preventable diseases due to poor hygiene.   

Sister Francelène’s visits to the commune of Cavaillon, near Les Cayes, revealed the dire need for sanitation, a preventable public health emergency affecting children and families. Empowered by the L4H Advocacy path, she leveraged her knowledge and confidence to boldly request funding for the construction of latrines from a local Catholic funding organization that also supported a clinic. The request was granted, but it came with a condition: the project could only be funded on land owned by the clinic, far from where most people lived. She refused to accept that.  

She conducted an in-depth analysis of the area, including an assessment of the widespread issue of defecation on the ground, which posted a severe health hazard to the entire commune. She pleaded with both DCCH and the mayor of the commune until she won the right to build a community latrine in Platel Majeste, a section of Cavaillon. This wasn’t about convenience; it was about justice. “I kept my word to these poor people,” she said.  

The project included two separate latrines - one for men and one for women - ensuring privacy for all. When the latrines were completed, the community’s reaction was overwhelming. People called her project a blessing. For years, they had lived without a solution - until now. The latrines improved health, cleaned up the environment, and made people feel seen. For Sister Francelène, this was about more than just sanitation; it was about restoring hope in a place where hope is often tested.  

She believes that anyone can lead and bring change if they have the compassion and courage to keep going when obstacles arise. “Nothing is impossible,” she says. 

Her fight isn’t over. Now, she’s turning her attention to a new crisis: rising malaria cases in her municipality. She has already spoken at mass, alerted the mayor, and begun educating people about malaria prevention. 

“I like to help because I like things to be done well. I ask others to aim for excellence, with their heads held high. Everyone deserves to be heard. Everyone deserves a chance.” 

In a country where survival is often the focus, Sister Francelène is proving that change is possible, even in the hardest of circumstances. She didn’t just build latrines. She advocated for her community and built hope.