On March 10, 2012, I, along with nine others, will be embarking on a journey with American University’s Alternative Spring Break Program to Haiti. During the eight days spent in Haiti, we will be working with two grassroot organizations centered in Haiti—Fonkoze and APF (Associate of Peasants of Fondwa). Both associations are dedicated to relieving the poverty situation that impacts all Haitian people through microfinancing and education.
Since its creation in 1988, APF has been an essential, non-governmental organization to Haitian society. Although the organization focuses on projects in Fondwa (a small village in western Haiti), its success has spilled over to benefit six other rural community areas—helping the lives of approximately 50,000 people. The emergence of APF began when a group of Haitians, as well as non-Haitians, defined the problems that affected not only Fondwa, but all of Haiti. As years passed, APF was given loans to further establish itself. Since then, the organization has been able to continue its work.
APF focuses on empowering peasants, who lack the basic necessities of water, health care and housing, so that they can feel integrated within Haitian society. APF hopes to accompany peasants to identify their problems and priorities, educate them on how to obtain access to basic infrastructure in their community (roads, water, health care, agricultural assistance), increase their produce to maximize profit, and influence them to share resources and lessons learned to other struggling Haitians through the University of Fondwa. The University of Fondwa and the Secretariat National Congress of the Haitian Peasants provide higher education to young Haitians as community leaders so that they hopefully can return home and work in the sustainable development by using Fondwa as a model.
Unfortunately, the catastrophic earthquake, in January 2010, destroyed most of APF’s infrastructure that was constructed over the last twenty-three years. Instead of losing hope, APF members discovered a solution and partnered with various organizations to help again obtain necessary resources. Through dedicated service and optimistic mindsets, it is hoped that APF will return stronger than ever.
Through education, inspiration, and encouragement, the Associate of Peasants of Fondwa takes an active part in promoting positive lifestyles in Haiti. This NGO hopes to provide life lessons that can be applied to any situation—regardless of location.
For more information on how you can help APF and volunteer click here!
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ReplyDeleteI think it is so amazing to see people in Haiti taking action and working together as one. APF is a NGO that works on building roads, health care, providing clean water, education to the poor in Haiti. Although APF lost everything in the 2010 earthquake, they coninute to live by their motto and continue to move on with what they have. There are two great things that I love about APF. They refuse to use a clas system that divides people and instead decide to work as one. Secondly they are Haitians helping Haitians. This is extremely important because in order to build an infrastructure that will last and be stable, it needs to be built by thoae people.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like about APF is that they focus on the country and suburban parts of Haiti rather than the know parts such as Port au Prince. It is important to do so because theses parts of the country is where most of the farming takes place. When farmers can produce crops , they can then start to stimulate the economy. Like Fonkoze they aid the poor through micro financing. In my opinion, unlike Fonkoze , APF didn't stress enough, how necessary it is for them to continue to work with the peasants along the way.
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