Initiatives
Community Banking
Reduce Poverty
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Our community banking initiative is not only exhilarating but also offers our communities a pathway to progress. In essence, each bank comprises 25 local individuals who unite their financial resources for a year. Every participant contributes funds to the pool, which are then available for borrowing by registered members. Interest rates are maintained at an exceptionally low level (especially by Haitian standards), yet typically yield an impressive annual return of around 40%. Last year, our flagship bank generated returns exceeding nine thousand US Dollars. Given that lenders to the pool enjoyed a 30% return on their investment, enthusiasm for our community banks is soaring.
All members of our banks are required to convene weekly, with money matters only discussed in two of these meetings. One gathering focuses on exploring assigned principles such as dependability or forgiveness, while the other is dedicated to community development. Projects encompass various initiatives such as road construction, fostering business growth, and reforestation efforts.
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Educating
At-Risk Kids
Education & Hunger
The local pastor has witnessed a surge in Haitian refugees, primarily single mothers with multiple children. These mothers are facing immense challenges in simply providing food for their children, let alone affording the necessary school uniforms. Consequently, the children were roaming the streets, susceptible to danger and exploitation. Responding to this urgent need, the pastor and his wife opened their church doors to offer free education and meals to these vulnerable refugee children.
The provision of a free meal and education has directly contributed to a reduction in child trafficking. By offering a meal, the children are drawn to the educational opportunities provided. This initiative instills hope in single mothers for a brighter future for their children, diminishing the likelihood of them relinquishing their children in pursuit of a better life elsewhere.
Adult Education
Adult Literacy
Adult literacy poses a significant challenge in the refugee camp, severely hindering individuals' ability to thrive in a new country. As part of our educational efforts in the Haitian refugee camp, we are extending a helping hand to the adult population by offering literacy classes. By utilizing the school facilities during the day for the children and transforming them into adult learning centers in the evenings, we aim to address this pressing need.
Although progress may be gradual, these literacy classes play a crucial role in enhancing the advancement and self-esteem of adults within the community.
Looking ahead, we envision integrating technology by introducing a distance learning platform. This innovation will enable us to leverage the expertise of overseas teachers fluent in Haitian Creole, thereby significantly enhancing the quality of instruction provided.
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Pay it Forward
Building Community
Our endeavor to foster community spirit through acts of kindness and generosity has encountered significant challenges in its initial stages. Despite our efforts, our sheep rearing project has faced setbacks, with our first healthy ewe giving birth to three sets of twins within the first year and a half. However, due to our limited understanding and resources, our sheep have been susceptible to attacks by wild dogs and have suffered from parasites, leading to suboptimal living conditions.
Furthermore, we have encountered resistance in freely giving without expecting anything in return. To address these issues, we are actively seeking animal husbandry training and guidance. Importantly, this initiative empowers our community leaders to devise solutions tailored to our specific circumstances.
This endeavor has sparked local research and development efforts, and within the next month, we are set to provide our first healthy lamb along with comprehensive care training to the community.
One of the contributing factors to child trafficking stems from the exploitation of women in border regions by men for various reasons. This complex issue has led us to certain conclusions: Firstly, empowering women is paramount, instilling in them a sense of self-worth and the ability to assertively refuse exploitation. Secondly, creating a sustainable income source to lift them out of poverty is essential. Our solution? Trees. We are launching a women's coalition focused on tree planting.
Through a partnership with another organization, women will receive compensation for each surviving tree planted. These trees will not only provide food for their families but also serve as a source of income. As the trees mature, we plan to establish a processing facility where women can process the fruit for sale. Though this may take some years, we have already secured a local buyer committed to purchasing the fruit from these women, significantly increasing their revenue.
In addition to agricultural and life training sessions, the women will regularly come together, fostering community bonds akin to those observed in our other initiatives. This holistic approach aims to empower women economically and socially, ultimately combating the root causes of child trafficking.
Woman's Empowerment
Getting Past Poverty
