Dear Friends,
Thank you for your support over the past year for SOIL* and the work I am doing in Haiti . I wish to provide you with a summary of what we have accomplished this past year and take a peek at our future plans. Many of you may have received the SOIL newsletter, but this is more about the work of OJPDH – Organization des Jeunes Progressistes pour Development d’Haiti.
With your help and support, one year ago I embarked on a journey with the youth of Duchity. They formed a community group known as AJPD – Association of Youth for Duchity. After learning about the work of SOIL and SOL**, together with Franci Polyte, the coordinator of AJPD, we visited their headquarters in Milot, in Northern Haiti . We saw examples of the ecological toilets they were building, and discussed their work in developing technology centers. When we returned to Duchity, we surveyed the current deplorable state of sanitation there and pledged to bring some changes to the village.
In May I returned to Duchity with Marcorel Lisius, National Coordinator of SOL, to build the first dry composting toilet in Duchity. After a successful inauguration, with many villagers in attendance, we evaluated our success. We decided to change the name from AJPD to OJPDH – Organization of Progressive Youth for the Development of Haiti. We set our vision high!
The youth of OJPDH planted a community demonstration garden in Duchity, and they dreamed of starting a national green youth movement. What would it take? They opened a little office along the main road where passing people could see their name. In July, they built the second dry toilet in the village by the bus station, so travelers through the village could use it. Little by little, word spread of the youth in Duchity working for change.
When I returned in December 2007, we built our third toilet at the orphanage in Duchity. We had our first meeting with the youth of Beaumont , who were anxious to join OJPDH. Now we are planning a first public dry composting toilet there. Other groups are approaching OJPDH as well.
Looking forward, OJPDH is planning at least two more public dry composting toilets. This spring, a training course on how to write proposals will be conducted to assist with funding. They have begun a tree nursery with hopes to plant trees for re-forestation. They have cultural events planned throughout the year to engage the community. And we have an invitation to send one or two students to Aprovecho Research Center in Oregon this summer to learn more about sustainable farming and forestry!
Your gifts have been put to good use! Now it is time for the next step. During the past year, SOIL and SOL have been our generous partners. But as we move more into youth development work, and expand our projects, it is time for us to be our own entity. So I am ready to launch YOUTHAITI – Youth Organization United to Transform Haiti. This will be an independent 501(c) 3 non profit organization to assist OJPDH in expanding a green youth movement throughout Haiti . It will provide training and support to youth ages 15 – 30 to learn sustainable technologies; open technology centers throughout southern Haiti to complement the technology centers supported by SOIL in the north; and continue to turn dreams into realities for a greener future for Haiti and those who will move it into the 21st century.
Winter 2007-2008 (Haiti) 095Winter 2007-2008 (Haiti) 095There is a long way to go until we have this process completed. SOIL has generously agreed to continue to be our fiduciary agent, so that your gifts can be tax-deductible.
I need your continued support now, more than ever! In addition to financial contributions to build more toilets and provide training and expand the work, I look to you, my supporters, for your expertise. I welcome suggestions about youth programming, about fund-raising, about sustainable development ideas you see in the news, computer help, about anything you think might be of use! I am continually amazed at what things drop from the heavens when I reach out my hand and ask!
I invite you to contact me by email at youthaiti@yahoo.com, or by phone at 414-351-2141 to discuss the future of YOUTHAITI.
Thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart. I never dreamed when I first went to Haiti 2 years ago where this journey would take me. And with your help, the YOUTH of HAITI will have a greener future!
With much gratitude,
Gigi Pomerantz
Founder, YOUTHAITI
*SOIL – Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods
**SOL – Sosyete Oganize pou Lanati
AJPD – Association des Jeunes Pour Duchity
OJPDH – Organization des Jeunes Progressistes pour Development d’Haiti
YOUTHAITI – Youth Organization United to Transform Haiti
