Construction Phase 1 for Haiti Leadership Center

Dear Friend,

If you've been following the news out of Haiti these past 6 months, you know that the situation on the ground has been chaotic, to say the least. However, Rasin Devlopman, our partner organization on the island of La Gonave, has managed to keep their program operational through the very worst of the crisis. Their "Twa Woch Dife" program (which encompasses all their projects) will be based out of the La Gonave Community Leadership & Development Center, once it is constructed. Progress on the center continues, with staff working to hire a project manager to oversee construction and a new partnership announced with Ayiti Community Trust to complete fundraising. 

Here are just some of the things Rasin has accomplished on La Gonave this year--projects that will be exponentially expanded once the center is completed. The following projects all focus on women, just one of the major portions of the Twa Woch Dife program.

1. Capacity strengthening workshops 

Each year, Rasin Devlopman launches a series of workshops that are designed and implemented by female leaders. The workshops are held in communities across the island so that the women, who often have less time and ability to travel, are able to attend. This year, the workshops covered the topic of female entrepreneurship. In 2024, 10 workshops were held, reaching 330 women across 8 communal sections, plus the Anse-a-Galets city center.

2. Fanm k ap Kondwi (Women who Drive) motorcycle courses

In 2021, Rasin began offering motorcycle driving courses to young women on La Gonâve. Motorcycles are the main mode of transportation around the island, but women are often not taught to drive them. The project has been incredibly popular and reached over 100 women since its conception. These classes help increase young women’s ability to participate in the economy and boost their self-esteem; 96% of participants reported an increase in confidence, and more than 75% of graduates report using a motorcycle at least once a month.I n 2024, one full course has been completed, awarding 14 more women their certificates of completion, and the second is currently ongoing. 

3. Yon Fanm, Yon Metye (One Woman, One Trade) vocational training

In order to offer vocational opportunities to women that are generally reserved for men, Rasin initiated a partnership with Flar École Professionnelle, a local trade school, to launch Yon Fanm, Yon Metye this year. Six women from Anse-à-Galets between 22 and 30 years old were selected out of 12 who applied to learn a professional trade for 6-8 months (3 in plumbing and 3 in tiling).

4. Fanm k ap Plante (Women who Plant) homestead garden training and support

In order to combat the effects of rising inflation on food security on the island, Rasin launched Fanm k ap Plante, an initiative to provide training and supplies to women on the island and support them as they created their own homestead vegetable gardens. In 2024, Rasin has worked with four groups of women, for a total of 47 women and 47 gardens. This project has already directly impacted 191 people and indirectly impacted over 500 this year alone. 

Thank you so much for your support.

Sincerely,

Charlie Estes