Economic Growth Haiti Project #6928

Change the World through Sustainable Job Creation

by REBUILD Globally

Change the World through Sustainable Job Creation

Project Report | Oct 14, 2013
Building New Leaders in Haiti

By Emily Davenport | Apprenticeship Director

From right: Jolina, Jean Robert, and Mami Ann

This Fall is bringing exciting changes to REBUILD globally! Due to RG’s continuing success and the vital support of our donors and advocates, we have been able to expand our in-country leadership team. Please join us in welcoming new Country Director Sarah Sandsted, Deke Bowman RG’s Workforce Development Coordinator, Jolina Auguste our amazing Shop Supervisor, and Jean Robert Pluviose who is excelling as REBUILD’s Quality Control Manager.

Because of their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence Jolina and Jean Robert were each recently promoted from REBUILD globally Artisans to these exciting and valuable management positions.

Before starting with REBUILD, Jolina struggled to keep her family together in a water-logged tent after their home was destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Now, thanks to her intelligence, natural leadership ability, and an opportunity provided by REBUILD globally Jolina has bought her own land, built a safe home for her beautiful family, and puts her and her sister’s children in school. Jolina’s steady wages also allow her to give back to her community. As the President of the Women’s Group of Tabarre, she joined together with other female leaders in her area to open and maintain an orphanage that cares for vulnerable children.

Jean Robert was an electronics salesman before the earthquake, but after that terrible tragedy he found little opportunity to support himself and his loved ones. Jean Robert first came to REBUILD as a volunteer—wanting to cultivate a new skill even if it meant he wouldn’t get a paycheck. Now Jean Robert is fully employed and not only is he able to meet his basic needs, he is able to invest in his education: he is currently attending seminary school and plans to be a minister and provide support to his community.

By investing in REBUILD globally, you invest in wonderful and capable human beings like Jolina and Jean Robert. Dignified, living-wage, and environmentally-sustainable employment leads to better lives, stronger families, and more stable communities. At REBUILD globally, we feel honored to work with such amazing individuals, and as always, we thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do it without you.

Learn more about Jolina, Jean Robert, and the other members of the REBUILD globally team by following us on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter. Join the REBUILD movement by purchasing your own pair or recycled tire sandals at Ron Jon Surf Shop in Coco Beach, McKevlin’s Surf Shop in Folly Beach, or at our online store.

Strong female leaders: Jolina & Sarah

Jolina looking radiant in the supply room.

Links:

REBUILD globally website

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Jun 12, 2013
My feet have never been happier!

By Jenn Eason | GlobalGiving Haiti field representative

I had the privilage of spending a few hours with the REBUILDglobally team. When I say privilege, I mean it. The staff (both Haitian and American) are extremely passionate about what they are doing. They are not making sandals, they are changing futures. They are creating jobs from old tires that would otherwise eventually be burned or thrown into the river (or both). This is a fine example of paradigm shifting. How awesome are they?!...

In a country where cultural behavior will naturally ask for a job in the face of desperation (asking for a handout is not a cultural norm in Haiti), REBUILD has sacrificed much and worked tirelessly to provide these hard working men and women with a skill, education, life skills and a chance to walk down the street with their head held high knowing that THEY are the ones that put a roof over their head, a meal on the table and a child through school.

I could have listened to the stories; the trials and victories all day! What? You were robbed?!? rather than give up, you were able to find money to get the tools needed, add security to the site and keep going?! (that was my inner monologue). This is perseverance by definition. No matter what the obstacles, REBUILD's team has worked together to overcome adversity.

REBUILDglobally and their fearless leader Julie, are proactively working toward self sustainability... What do I mean you may ask?... by that I am referring to getting their foot in the door (haha... no pun intended) with places like PacSun, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Having consistent demand from large retail stores in US, RG will not only be able to offer more apprentice spots (guaranteeing high school graduates jobs), but also hire more staff now and further impact the dynamics of a country fighting hard to stand on their own.

Thanks Julie and crew for letting me impose for a few hours and carting me around!

Happiest feet EVER

Hard at work

apprentice program garden: planted & ready to grow

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Apr 11, 2013
Djenica's story

By Emily Davenport | Apprenticeship Manager

The REBUILD globallly (RG) workshop and training center provides much more than jobs to women in Port-au-Prince. The impact of our social enterprise runs much deeper. By focusing on sustainability through living-wage employment, RG is also able to to look at our future workforce and support the youth in our community by offering academic scholarships through our Apprenticeship Program.

Djenica came to RG with a set of circumstances that set her apart from other Apprentices. At only 14 years old, Djenica works as a live-in cook and servant for an elderly woman in Port-au-Prince. Born one of 12 children in the Haiti’s rural countryside, Djenica’s poverty-stricken parents essentially sold her to help support themselves and their other children. She has not seen her parents or her siblings since 2010. Unfortunately, children and young adults with situations like Djenica’s are all too common in Port-au-Prince.

Since becoming a RG Apprentice this fall Djenica has blossomed. Once shy and soft spoken, Djenica is now flourishing with the leadership and confidence building modules RG’s program provides. Only attending school sporadically her entire life, Djenica is currently in the first grade—and impressing our tutors with her quick problem solving and critical thinking skills! Because of the REBUILD Apprenticeship Program, not only is Djenica receiving a life-changing academic scholarship, future job training, and leadership classes, she is also receiving support and encouragement from Haitian and international role modules who care deeply about Djenica and believe in her ability to thrive and succeed.

With an education and the life skills that REBUILD is providing to Djenica, she has the opportunity to build a whole new life and when Djenica turns 18 years old, she is guarenteed a job at the RG workshop. She is an amazing and strong young woman who is persevering in the face of unbearable challenges. Djenica’s story is still in the making, but we know to expect big things from her.

We also know when we employ the mothers of children like Djenica, these stories can be different and lives can be different. We are so grateful for your support that gives children and families a chance to rewrite their stories. Thank you for helping us end poverty one job at a time and making an impact through education, one child at a time.

Sincerely,

The RG family

Links:

http://www.REBUILDglobally.org

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