Ciné Institute is Haiti’s first and only professional film school. Learn more at http://artistsinstitute.org

On the eve of Mr. and Mrs. Pascal Raffy’ s first trip to Haiti, Artists for Peace and Justice would like to celebrate our partnership with Bovet 1822 and look towards a bright future together. The spirit that unites our organizations goes above and beyond anything monetary—our partnership is an expression of art, authenticity, heritage, and hope. We are so excited for Mr. and Mrs. Pascal Raffy to see first-hand what they’ve made possible through their incredible commitment and give a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Bovet 1822. We believe it is going to be a truly unforgettable experience.

Born in Lebanon, Mr. Pascal Raffy’s fascination and passion for precision began in treasured childhood moments with his grandfather. Captivated by the harmony of beauty and superior mechanics, a tradition was born. Mr. Pascal Raffy acquired the Bovet house in 2001 as a “Sleeping Beauty” and has since elevated its name with new life and vision. Mr. Raffy’s commitment to excellence honors the house tradition of timepiece craftsmanship that was inaugurated by Édouard Bovet himself in the 1800’s. 

Bovet believes in singular specialization with hands-on precision, a strive for perfection, beauty, and integrity. Active in over 30 countries and hailed as a masterpiece of machinery and art worldwide, Bovet 1822 has one charitable subsidiary: Artists for Peace and Justice.

Mr. Raffy witnessed the deeply personal and authentic connection that all the APJ Board members hold for the future of education in Haiti, a meaningful friendship was forged. Mr. Raffy saw his own values of integrity, ingenuity, and excellence in Artists for Peace and Justice. Together these two intimate, efficient, passionate, and effective organizations unite to deliver the highest standard of results for disadvantaged Haitian children, who deserve the very best.

Bovet 1822 and Artists for Peace and Justice have partnered for the Hollywood Domino Oscar Gala Event for three years in a row, as well as the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Artists for Peace and Justice Holiday Dinner this December. Personally moved by the long-term commitment and guiding principles of Artists for Peace and Justice, the next day a five-year deal between Bovet 1822 and APJ was inked for $4.5 million dollars. Bovet 1822’s significant investment ensures the continuity of free, quality education to some of the poorest, most talented, and fiercely creative youth in Haiti. Quite simply, Bovet 1822 makes our work possible.

Kerry Kennedy walked up to the front of the classroom and started off by asking our students a big question, “What are Human Rights?”

At first our students were shy, which is understandable. Kerry Kennedy is an amazing human rights activist who has worked in over 60 countries and led hundreds of delegations exposing injustices and educating audiences around the world. She is the President of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, activist and a bestselling author. The RFK Center strives to fulfill Robert F. Kennedy’s vision of a just and peaceful world by partnering with human rights leaders, teaching social justice and advancing corporate responsibility.  Kerry Kennedy’s life is truly a testament to the promotion and protection human rights. We were shy too!

Then Academy for Peace and Justice 11th  grader, Peterson Plaisir, stood up
and answered Kerry Kennedy’s question with ” Human rights are not only a code to live by and an aspiration to strive for”, and effectively started a conversation that blew us all away.

The mood that moved through the room was electric.  Every student had their hands raised or were scribbling down notes , listing their  personal human rights heroes, their dreams, and their questions  for Kerry Kennedy such as “What  hardships in your life have you had to overcome and  how have they inspired you to continue your work?” Kerry and our students connected when she shared her personal story of how tragic losses in her family motivated her from the time she was small to expose injustice, right wrong and teach change.

Then together Father Rick Frechette, Kerry Kennedy started a human rain storm. She divided the students into sections asking them to snap, clap, slap their thighs and stomp their feet sending prayers and rain to those suffering from the terrible drought in South Sudan.

Thank you to Kerry Kennedy, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, Father Rick Frechette, The St. Luke Foundation, and Madeleine Stowe for such a moving experience. It was an inspiring visit for all our students at the Academy for Peace and Justice and Kerry herself.