Community Development
Projects
Haiti is often referred as the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Unemployment is recorded at 70%. In the rural areas where there are about 8 million people, the unemployment rate is even higher. Most residents are employed in agriculture sector and the rate of pay is about $2 USD/day.
HEPI uses asset based community development (ABCD) as the foundation for its projects. Rather than identifying the negative aspects of a community, ABCD focuses on the positive–in LaChapelle, as in the rest of Haiti, there are many assets that are being overlooked.
The Goat Farm
Centre de Formation Fritz laFontant (CFFL) is a vocational school located in Corporant, Haiti. HEPI has provided funds for three young men from LaChapelle to attend CFFL’s Agricultural School. Makenson, Frantz and Erick have completed the three-year program and graduated this year with degrees in Agronomy. The agreement made with these 3 young men was that they would return to LaChapelle and share the knowledge they gained at CFFL. They will teach local farmers about improving the quality of soil, crop rotation and other techniques to improve productivity.
In addition to agronomy, the students at CFFL learned about animal husbandry. Makenson, Frantz and Erick considered a poultry farm as a possible future project. However, they agreed that the best option for the LaChapelle community would be to start a goat farm.
Nourishment is a very serious problem for all Haitians in the rural areas. Goat meat contains highly digestible proteins which are a major component of a nutritious diet. One of the programs considered for the goat farm would be low cost meals made available to local schools.The children would benefit tremendously from such a program. Goats would also be sold to individual families. Goat milk would be available for sale at the goat farm or at markets throughout the community.
In addition, genetically valuable male and female goats could be sold to local farmers to improve the quality of their stock.
Future projects include things such as goat soap and goat body creams which could be developed and run by the women of the community.
Makenson, Frantz and Erick have put together a business plan which includes property, fencing, shelters for the goats, a single building, purchase of goats in two increments, costs for one year of Vetinary services, feed and medicine for the goats also for one year. The total cost for this would be $75,000. With the help of HEPI supporters this project could be come a reality.
Library / Computer Center
The Library / Computer Center is in its infancy so funds are needed for everything. The library is the priority for the Center and funds are needed for everything: books, bookshelves, tables, chairs, desk for librarian, library supplies. If you have access to French or Kreyol books they can be mailed to HEPI at 2788 Carolina Isle Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466.
HEPI is taking donation of laptop computers in good working condition, or new Chromebooks. We are asking individuals to volunteer their time to help as Trainers in both operation and maintenance of the computers.
As a group of young men trying to make their community a better place, OJEM is requesting funds for projects they can manage without outside help. Repairing the 3 government schools is a big issue for OJEM. They would like to organize a soccer league for young men in the community and will need money for uniforms and equipment.