Hello, friends! It has been a long time since my last post … too long. In fact, a new donor pointed that out to me quite recently, and I didn’t have a good answer for him other than “I’m working on so many other things for Dignity for Haiti”. Not a good reason, I know!
Let’s get generalities out of the way first. As you’ve probably seen, there is no end to the turmoil in Haiti.
Politically, there are zero nationally-elected officials, and a prime minister and “government” in name only. A controversial Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) has been formed, but nothing concrete has come from them. There are no scheduled elections, and even the thought of a fair and well-run election is completely out of the question. No one speaks for Haiti, and everyone speaks for Haiti.
Economically, it just keeps getting worse. The latest data available shows a year-on-year inflationary increase of 48.3% … compare that to the USA’s goal of getting back to 2%! Most worrisome is the cost of food: up 48.1% from last year. Just a few examples: rice up 58.9%, meat up 64.5%, edible oil up 76.6%, milk up 42.9%, and sugar up 66.2%. Medicine is up 45.8%, and gasoline/diesel up 129.4%. As you can imagine, an already-hungry population can afford even less now. Because of the fuel cost, everything is unaffordable or unavailable.
Finally, the day-to-day security situation is out of control. Gangs control much of the country, including entryways into most cities and towns. Kidnappings are a daily occurrence, as well as extorsion and many other acts of violence. As gangs battle citizens and each other, many people have been displaced from their homes. Schools and hospitals have closed, as they are no longer safe to operate. Tourism, a source of some income in good times, is nonexistent for obvious reasons. The prime minister has called for an international armed force to come in and get rid of the gangs, but the U.N. and rest of the world just wring their hands and point to each other. Because of the situation, I have not been able to travel to see my friends since March of 2020, which makes me very sad and very angry.
Anyway … enough of that. I don’t like dwelling on the problems, but they are there and must be recognized and dealt with. They affect how we at Dignity for Haiti concentrate our efforts and work around roadblocks, both literally and figuratively.
So … what is going on there now and since my last update?
The best news: we are digging a well on the campus! In fact, I just received word that they hit water. Keep in mind: this well is being dug by hand, over 100 feet deep. Wow. Our next step is to get a pump down there and check the flow rate, and then work with another NGO to install a filtration system, cistern, etc. Getting clean water to the campus will be a game-changer. As of now, the schoolchildren and staff have little access to water every day for drinking, washing hands, etc. Given the above socioeconomic issues, however, getting everything purchased/transported/installed is a monumental task.
Speaking of the school, we have over 300 students attending, grades K-8th. There is a desire to add a 9th grade, but we need to maintain what we have for now. At a time when many Haitian schools are closed or sparsely-attended, this is quite a blessing. I firmly believe educating children is Haiti’s hope of someday becoming a viable, self-sustaining country!
Another big project we are working on: an infirmary on the campus. Recently, a combination Kindergarten/clinic building was built. We are in the process of finishing it: doors, windows, etc., as well as cabinets, tables, a desk, medicines, etc. There is a visiting nurse who comes weekly, as well as a dentist who comes monthly. As the nearest hospital is a brutal trip down the mountain, having an infirmary/clinic on the campus will be fantastic. Through a grant, we have also been able to purchase a portable ultrasound wand and computer tablet, which is another game-changer. We will be able to do pre-natal ultrasounds as well as for hearts and lungs, and the data can be sent via internet to doctors anywhere in the world.
We have shored up (and continue to work on) electricity needs for the campus, as you will remember there is no public utility and everything relies on solar or generators. Batteries, solar panels, inverters, wiring … all are expensive to purchase and maintain. The batteries, for example, don’t last too many years given the corrosive environment on the island. They are very expensive and difficult to transport.
Finally, we are exploring ways to help out more families through micro-loans, assistance, etc. Small agriculture and animal projects are being planned. Our goal: put ourselves out of business (help them to be self-sufficient).
Personally: I’m trying (again) to learn Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen), and I’m working with many people in Haiti to determine what is needed and how we can provide for their needs. Most of all, I’m so much looking forward to the day I can return there!
Mèsi anpil, thank you very much, to all you donors. This whole thing would collapse without you. You are keeping a small community alive and as well as can be done under abhorrent circumstances. The people of Notre-Dame on La Gonâve in Haiti pray for you every day, as do I. I am humbled and gratified by your care and donations, from those who donate monthly to those who donate sporadically, both small and large amounts. If you have never donated: I hope you can help us in this worthy cause to provide dignity to our Haitian sisters and brothers.
A Haitian saying: “Se lè ou nan bezwen, ou konn ki moun ki zanmi ou.” This means “It’s when you are in need that you know your friends.” Or, as we usually put it, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Mèsi, zanmi! Thank you, friends!
In Christ,
Mike