Five young Haitian journalists have won the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie's Best Young Journalist Award, which returned to Haiti after a three-year pause caused by insecurity. The winners were announced on October 15 in Pétion-Ville.

In print, Daniella Saint-Louis, 28, a Haitian Times freelancer based in Léogâne, took first place for a report on young Haitians who refuse to give up on their future amid gang violence. Lucnise Duquereste of AyiboPost placed second for a story on young people leaving armed groups.

In radio, Ritchy Fortuné of Radio Télé Métropole won first place with a report on children's rehabilitation, and Murdith Joseph, 35, now based in Cap-Haïtien, placed second with a report on women resisting violence in Delmas 89. Guerby Jean of Radio Télé Métropole won the audiovisual award for a report on youth self-defense groups.

The jury chose the winners from 29 young reporters representing all 10 departments. Winners receive equipment and training, and internships abroad at outlets including RFI and TV5MONDE.

The OIF's regional representative, Emmanuel V. Adjovi, said the entries offered “hope for journalism's future” and for reporters' contribution to peace and democracy.