Video presentation – October 2011
“Fields of Development” gives us an overview of Zanmi Lasanté-PARIS’ programs in support of small farmers in Haiti’s Central Plateau. With the help of the French Fondation de France since the 2010 earthquake, these programs participate in the reconstruction of Haiti.
Working since 1992 in the Central Plateau alongside Partners in Health and Zanmi Lasante, we have, with the support of our friends, addressed the question of rural development and food insecurity with several innovative pilot projects. Since the January 12 earthquake, faced with the basic needs of an uprooted population, we have multiplied our budget by four, launching our “KayZanmi” Program, a project for the construction of small but sturdy houses for the poorest of the poor, including those who have lost their homes in the destruction of Port au Prince and fled to the countryside.
We have been in Haiti three times this year with another visit scheduled for December. Conceived by volunteer specialists, engineers, agronomists, teachers and lawyers, all of our programs address multiple facets of rural life and follow the principle directives of the national plan for the reconstruction of Haiti.
Focused locally, we concentrate on pressing needs in housing, agriculture, water management, land law, literacy for women, education and training. These programs are constantly being adjusted to better meet the realities of rural life in Haiti. In 2011, this ongoing effort to make our programs work in the rural setting will be considerably advanced by the presence for one year of Jean-Philippe Kolié, a volunteer agronomist sponsored by Zanmi Lasante-PARIS, France Volontaires and the Catholic Committee for Development. Jean-Philippe holds a double masters in rural development and agronomy from the University of Montpellier.
Various foundations, including the Fondation de France, the Caisse des Dépots et Consignations and the Fondation Prévoir, have provided generous support for these efforts. However, Zanmi Lasante-PARIS must provide an important part of the cost of these projects from its own resources (27% in the case of the Kayzanmi Program) while trying to maintain our permanent program, including support for schools, and exceptional aid to refugees from Port au Prince. To continue our operations at their present level, we need €60000 ($84000) through the end of 2011.
More than ever, we are counting on your help. As always, you can be assured that all but a very minor portion of your support is put to use in the field.
We are of course always available to provide more information. Please be generous and don’t hesitate to spread the word.
Christine Murray
and Zanmi Lasanté-PARIS team
Savannes Plates, Plateau Central, Haïti, Décembre 2010.
December 2010: Altime Samuel receive the keys to his new house.
Port au Prince: Earthquake victims still in make-shift shelters.
October 2010: ZLP local teams build a house (“Kay Zanmi”) for one of the families who have lost their homes in Port au Prince and sought refuge in the Central Plateau.
The first family to settle in a “Kay Zanmi”.
Thomonde plan and Thomonde river.
Water well, Zanmi-Lasanté PARIS – december 2009
Agriculture next to seuil 21 built on Ravine Thomazeau (Zanmi-Lasanté PARIS – 2009)
