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- Irrigation Canal Completion!
We are ecstatic to announce that the SAC Foundation's first major project
has reached completion! The rehabilitation of the Desmarathe-Blaise-Munitié Canal
is a great achievement for all of the groups concerned. NOW, through the benefits of a combined effort, 500 families or approximately 4000 people are actively engaging in entrepreneurial activities including the production of rice and corn for commercialization on the local market. This was all made possible through the irrigated water that now runs through the plains of the area helping to intensify the productive and economic potential of the entire region. SAC is now seeking the funding to aid these beneficiary groups in their struggle to commercialize their products and enter the formal economy.
Significantly, the old canalization system, damaged by frequent storms and even hurricanes, was in such a state of disrepair as to be rendered inoperable. As a result, the risk of flooding and loss of crops grew into a harsh reality with each subsequent rainy season. Our evaluation of the situation revealed that the communities' predicament could be directly impacted by our philosophy of fostering self-help. Effectively, after a vital research period, we were able to effectively execute a successful and viable rehabilitation program in partnership with the Pan
American Development Foundation (PADF) and the Canadian Study & International
Corporation Center (CECI).
The SAC Foundation's Irrigation Canal Project now serves as but one example of what can happen when those who can, decidedly help people to help themselves.
- SAC'S Apiculture (Honey Production) Project!
One of SAC's most important projects to date, the apiculture and honey production project will enable 750 families to add a new activity to their usual agricultural ones. They will profit not only from an adequate training in the fields of production and management, but also from a transfer of technology in the apiarian field. So far, 50 women drawn from the peasant associations of the area have benefited from the project. Each initial trainee is required (upon completion of the training program) to train two further project participants. Subsequently, over the course of a five year program, 1500 new apiculturists will be trained in the raising of beehives and in the production of high quality honey.
The project aims to generate potential yearly earnings of approximately $US 1000 for each of the beneficiaries in their first year of production alone. This is remarkable in comparison to the actual average provincial revenue of US$ 200 a year. This project thus represents SAC's ambition to actively implement income generating projects with social consequences for the poor, rural communities in need of a helping hand.
With the intent to guarantee the long term viability of this priority project, SAC is currently seeking additional funding. Hence, the increased activity at SAC's central office in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Contacts have been multiplied and research on commercialization intensified with the goal of ensuring that the efforts of the newly formed apiculturists will bear the deserved fruits of their toil. The project's current progress has been secured in collaboration with the financial and technical support of such organization's as UAPC,
the INTER-American Foundation (IAF), DHL Worldwide Express (Haiti) & Fondation
La Ruche. To see the IAF newsletter concerning theirs and DHL's collaboration with SAC click IAF NEWSLETTER.
- Reforestation!
Linked to the foundation's apiculture and honey production project, SAC has adopted this project for several reasons.Most notably, reforestation emphasizes environmental protection, soil conservation and fruit production as important elements of apiarian production. Consequently, better honey is produced, the environment is improved and people are given a chance to raise, through their own efforts, their standard of living. In the first year of implantation, it is expected that 27,000 tress will be planted and/or distributed. SAC research shows that subsequent training, experimentation and motivation exercises however, should see that number increase to 100,000 by the second year, with nominal increases of a 50% minimum for each consecutive year.
- SAC's Medical Clinic Project!
Here is another area where SAC feels that urgent intervention is required. The foundation believes that economic and social progress cannot be had if it is not accompanied by a healthy population. Significantly, collaboration with the George Steins Foundation of the United States, means that concrete measures are currently being adopted towards better healthcare for the communities of Terre Rouge. The George Steins Foundation has submitted a plan for the construction of a medical clinic in the area. The clinic will concentrate mostly on primary healthcare (First Aid), sanitation, health education and dental care. The objective is to meet primarily the health requirements of children, pregnant women and elderly groups while also providing dental, medicinal and primordial health services for the general population. Operationally, the clinic will be run by on-site local doctors and nurses. Quarterly visits however, from U.S. dentists are to be supplied by the George Steins Foundation.
Additionally, contact has been made with AOPS of U.S.A.I.D. as well as with Plan de Parrainage. SAC is currently in consultation with these two organizations, who both have significant expertise in the field of Haitian healthcare. Possibilities, for a strategic partnership are presently being discussed with the objective of securing the best possible healthcare in a region where, even its most primary form, service in this sector is at best scarcely provided.
