(Community Matters) Having returned from touring Port au Prince and northern provinces of Haiti, reflecting over the weekend: the situation is both encouraging and heart-breaking. Encouraging in how much the NGOs to which we’ve granted & others are doing, the resiliency of the Haitian people so obvious in the amount of commercial activity, organizing in camps, slow but continuous removal of rubble, and the lack of outbreak of major disease among the 1.5mm+ displaced Haitians. Heart-breaking in the circumstances most Haitians still find themselves, the slowness of government and ministry recovery, and the violence in camps – especially gender-based violence.
Yet, I’ve returned more optimistic. There are enormous assumptions in any predictions for rebuilding stronger and better – stability of government being the predominant one, and the adoption of common visions for the country’s rebuilding being but one of the others.
I’ve assessed that we’ve invested the HelpHaiti monies wisely; thanks mostly to Philip Berber, we selected the right partners. I’m encouraged by my visits to Concern Worldwide, Fonkoze and Partners in Health. Regrettably, I didn’t have time to meet with Catholic Relief Services.
Thinking about how we invest/grant our final monies and whether or not we should raise more. Thoughts veer to focusing remainder of assistance on specific residents in a specific camp. Wondering if by seeding innovative collaboration with new (to Haiti) incentives for parents to continuously and sustainably prioritize elementary & middle school education for their children and healthcare & wellness as well as opportunities for families to earn a living, we might be able to effect more sustainable change, better futures.
Much more thought and conversation needs to happen – with my fellow grant committee members, our donors and our partner agencies – before we make any decisions. Thoughts and comments appreciated.
Community Matters 