Why is it called Breadfruit House?

Yes, indeed—why is it called Breadfruit House? There’s a bit of a story behind that.

The first time I tasted breadfruit was during my visit to Dominica in 2011. I instantly loved everything about it—its taste, texture, and versatility. Breadfruit is exactly what it sounds like a large fruit that can be used in so many ways, often like a vegetable. In local Creole, Dominicans call it ‘yanmpen.’ It quickly became one of my favorite things about the island.

So, I needed a name…

Fast forward to 2017. It was a tough year. I was in the Netherlands, attending my mom’s cremation, when Hurricane Maria hit Dominica. I was glued to my laptop, desperately trying to find any news about what was happening. Slowly, the first images started coming in, and it was clear that Dominica was decimated.

I was heartbroken. Then something incredible happened—family, friends, and even former coworkers reached out, wanting to help. I managed to set up a non-profit in a few days to help with the rebuilding effort. And, of course, I needed a name.

I thought, what do I love about Dominica? The first thing that popped into my mind was breadfruit. And that is why  is it called Breadfruit House—simple. Or in Creole “Kay Yanmpen”.

How Breadfruit House evolved.

In December 2017, three months after the hurricane, I was finally able to return to Dominica. Although it was a challenging time, I was ready to start doing something with all the wonderful donations people had given.  I didn’t have a specific plan yet. I just trusted that the right purpose would reveal itself when the time was right.

While working with International Medical Corps and UNICEF, I noticed a gap—basic psychosocial support for young children was almost non-existent. Yes, organizations like UNICEF focus on children, but eventually, they leave. I thought, what if I could create something more lasting?

You can read my Blog from 2018 about that journey here.

That’s how the idea for Breadfruit House as it is today was born. A safe space where young children could come, feel heard, express themselves creatively, and enjoy a healthy meal. It all connected to the spark I felt while volunteering in Costa Rica—about wanting to ‘do something with children and creativity’.

I’ll never forget the excitement when the first school said yes to piloting our program. It felt like the beginning of something special.

A Beautiful, coincidental metaphor.

As things started falling into place, I couldn’t help but notice how many people believed in what we were doing. One person offered to build our website for free, another designed our logo, and it was like everything we needed just showed up at the right time.

One day, while reading up on breadfruit, I came across something that made me smile. Breadfruit is packed with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s incredibly nourishing. And suddenly, it hit me—Breadfruit House is nourishing, too, but in a different way. Through our programs, we nourish the self-confidence and emotional well-being of children, helping them feel seen and heard. We give them tools to (re)build their self-esteem, just like Dominica has had to rebuild after the hurricane.

From fruit to foundation.

I never intended for the name to carry such deep meaning, but here we are! Breadfruit House is not just a name; it’s a symbol of growth, resilience, and nourishment, both physical and emotional. What started as a response to disaster has grown into something much more meaningful—a space where children can find their voice and rebuild their confidence. Who would have thought that the first time I tasted breadfruit during my visit to Dominica in 2011, would lead to this.

Would you like to be involved?

If this story resonates with you, I invite you to get involved. Whether by donating, raising funds, or even sharing our story, every bit helps. Visit our website here, and see how you can help us continue empowering children through creativity and care. Let’s keep planting seeds of hope together!