Tracking clean cookstoves & fuel in Haiti

Dear friends and supporters,

Haiti is currently under great stress, worsening in recent months. Huge demonstrations have protested against Government, cost of living and insecurity. Powerful gangs control key parts of the capital, terrorizing people, blocking petroleum imports, and choking the nation’s highways and distribution systems.  Food, fuel and drinking water are restricted and costly, schools dare not open, hospitals, banks, businesses and daily life are much impeded.  The situation is a focus of attention by the USA and other countries and by the Security Council of the United Nations.

As much as possible, PPAF is continuing its collaboration with Haitian colleagues and international friends.  Fortunately, the focus towns of Jacmel, Hinche and Cotes de Fer are some distance from Port-au-Prince, the capital city, They are not immobilized, but conditions are difficult.  Some activities are underway and some progress is being made as we all hope for an end to the crisis.

Under the circumstances, work since July’s report has mainly been for tests and demonstrations of solar cookers and surveys of solar cooker users. The events illustrate the practicality of solar cooking and the data sheets itemize the ingredients and directions for meals.  The testing and demonstrations are at the level of low-income families.  They show how cooking with sunshine can produce a good meal, avoid noxious fumes and save money otherwise spent on charcoal.  Please see the photos of what has been accomplished at various sites in Jacmel and Hinche with individuals and groups, and in refresher seminars with students at Jacmel’s Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC).

Regarding surveys, PPAF has drawn from the materials available from Solar Cookers International for user surveys and needs assessment surveys, modified them for the Haitian context, and devised ways for colleagues to conduct the surveys and report on them by cell phone or computer. Results have come in from user surveys that were conducted in Jacmel and Cotes de Fer with persons who received solar cookers that were shipped in before the crisis became acute.

A further point – ACFFC management is concerned about food and safety for children associated with the foundation.  They are distributing non-perishable goods to families of students who earlier received solar cookers from classes PPAF supported. The board of PPAF welcomed this and has contributed to its continuation and expansion.

Looking to the future, there is a desire by many in Jacmel, Hinche and Cotes de Fer to obtain and use solar cookers.  Responding to this, PPAF wants to be able to initiate the means for their assembly and distribution.  Actual efforts cannot be implemented under current conditions in the country, but planning and fundraising are already needed.

Thank you for your support!  Again, please have a look at the photos attached to this report. Join in our concern and enthusiasm.

Links:

• Public-Private Alliance Foundation website