"The Road to Fondwa," a documentary about AFP's development initiatives

The motto that Haitians live by, “unity makes strength,” has prompted development work focused on the countryside, which consists of a large portion of Haiti—the peasants.

The Peasants of Fondwa (AFP) is an organization established by Father Joseph to help peasants help themselves.  Their first community service project was to build a road, or “konbit,” as the Haitians call it, which is one of the most basic needs that can advance development tenfold.  Although Haiti still suffers greatly from the turmoil after the earthquake and floods, AFP has already provided potable water, good schools—the AFP School and the University of Fondwa—a radio station, and a health clinic. 

With the increased emphasis on schooling in Fondwa, students have become very involved in learning about agriculture, which is engaging them to continue development work in Haiti, as well as fostering a love for their country.  In the documentary, one student claims to have to walk three hours to and from his home in order to get to school, because of his conviction that his determination will help in the advancement of Haiti.

Although AFP has helped in alleviating certain fundamental issues in the countrysides, the abundance of trash—which leads to children dying of malaria and malnutrition, and creates unfavorable working conditions for those selling their products on the street—remains a problem.  Furthermore, as Herault, the community leader of Fondwa, pointed out, not everyone has money to buy fertilizers and seeds to properly cultivate their fields, potable water is still not available for a majority of the population, and education remains an issue for those who cannot afford it. 

The fundamental issue seems to be the need for means for better work, in order to improve Haitians’ overall living standards.  In an attempt to rid themselves of these issues, peasants move to the cities, like Port-au-Prince, but often find the same problems encountered in the country, such as the lack of food and good jobs, leading some to join gangs.

To continue the development work being conducted in Haiti, it is important to keep in mind that the unity of the community can only lead to positive outcomes, because problems are often solved collectively.  As one of the development workers mentioned, working together is not hard, because we all have the same ideas and decisions, something that he defined as “adja.”

As development and microfinance organizations increase in Haiti, the possibility of prospering increases as well, while the devaluing of Haiti by the international community decreases. In an attempt to eliminate the common perceptions of an impoverished, dismal Haiti, “The Road to Fondwa” was produced with three goals in mind: to present a realistic view of Haiti, to spread the word about Fondwa’s alternative vision for sustainable development, and to increase collaboration with and financial support for the people of Fondwa, and Haiti in general.