VIP Haiti Trip - January 2005

Eleven people - 22 duffle bags (some really big) - over one-half ton of supplies! Supplies to carry out planned projects and supplies to replenish the needs of the pharmacy, clinics, Mother's Clubs, 4-H Clubs, school supplies and child center supplies.

Four people headed to Beaumont for several days - met with the 4-H Clubs, young women and students. It was a busy time! However, all agreed the 45 minute flight to Jeremie beats the 7 or more hours by vehicle through the mountains. Also, the scenery is awesome from above.

Others had headed to Mirebalais via the Xaragua (to meet with the 4Her's) and then settle down to the work ahead.

4-H News

4Hers throughout the world are linked though the pledge - "My HEAD to cleaner thinking, my HEART to greater loyalty, my HANDS to larger service, my HEALTH to better living for my club, my country and my world."

The number of 4H Clubs in Haiti increased from 9 to 10. In the community of Duvalierville, the leaders had started a new club in July 2004. When asked why, leaders said:

1. they wanted to help young people develop into community leaders.
2. a leader from a Mother's Club "knows what working together can do"
3. a young woman felt she could share her knowledge and help young people live a better life (social and health issues.)

And why did the youth join?

1. "I wanted to help change the area for the better."
2. "I wanted to help others learn things that have been good for me."
3. "I couldn't afford school anymore so I joined 4H to learn new things."

Some 4Hers are privileged to go to school and so provide a mix of experiences.

All of the trip participants participated in one or more 4H meetings, much to their liking. They helped teach songs, first aid and crafts. Also, Karen presented Achievement Certificates to leaders and club members just as we do in Wisconsin. Yarn, health kits, sewing kits, garden seeds, etc., were gifts shared with the clubs.

Several clubs have developed the entrepreneur spirit we've been trying to teach. They're making dust mops, coconut shell art and garden produce which they sell at markets to raise money for community development projects.

10 clubs - over 700 members...surely this 'grassroots' leadership will some day make a difference in the country of Haiti.

Odds and Ends of Trip Jan 2005

We've come to know that no trip is complete without building shelves (George is now an expert) - this year concentrating on the new central supply area. Add to that - fixing doors, coat rack, towel bar,... "ask and you shall receive."

We were able to add three new beds to the dorm, made by the 'Boss' who has his shop across the street. You just can't get a better deal than that! And same day service too!

We had the privilege of meeting and dining with the UN Peace Keeping Troops who were in Mirebalais, half way around the world from their home in Nepal. It was interesting to learn about their country, culture and religion. Enjoyed a ride in their 'Humvee' (military transport vehicle) and tasting Nepalese cuisine.

We have a standing invitation to visit Nepal - anytime.

Goat Project Progress

With funds donated to our VIP Goat Project, we were able to enroll 20 4H members or leaders in the Goat Husbandry Project. They will receive the week of classroom and practical training this year. When the students finish the course, they receive a pregnant female goat to take home and raise. The first kid is given back to the program in order to perpetuate the project. The recipient is also required to pass on another off-spring to another club member.

Goats are survivors and therefore are ideal animals for the mountains of Haiti. They provide food (milk, cheese and eventually meat) leather shoes and other goods and fertilizer for the soil.The course taken, if passed, qualifies the person as a 'veterinary agent' someone who shares that expertise in the community - helping Haitians help themselves.

News Media Rushes On

The news media has long forgotten about the devastating hurricane that hit Haiti last September, but it will be years before the Haitians forget. Reminders loom on the horizon every day - clouds of dust, even now; homes destroyed, leaving thousands of people homeless; families separated from loved ones; the hospital and clinic destroyed in Gonaive. The clean up after the mud slides still going on; water-born diseases on the rise; families trying to 'recoup' after losing EVERYTHING (clothing, household goods, furniture, etc., etc.); missing persons...there is no end to their loss. Think about it. Then be thankful for what we have and not about what we don't have.

Any Pigs in Your Bank Account?

Families in rural Haiti live a day to day existence, working long, hard hours to product subsistence crops and provide essentials for the family's survival. They have little in the line of a monetary economy but, at times, an emergency demands a need for cash. That might be an illness or death in the family, the need for money for school tuition, or a very special occasion like a wedding.

One way a family can plan for these events is to raise a pig. A pig is FOUR LEGGED MONEY IN THE BANK.

This sizable investment in their 'insurance' in time of need. They need to keep the pig healthy and growing to a marketable size. The death of the family pig would strike a devastating blow to the family economy. With no money to purchase feed, the farmer does the best he can to fatten the pig - foliage from trees - pigs running free to find what they can in vegetation - and of course, whatever the farmer can find in the countryside and bring home. Nothing is easy in Haiti.