VHP and the Duchity community is honored to host David Casey each June for 3 weeks. 2017 was his 6th year working alongside laborers and students helping to support the work of the construction/mason bosses building the vocational school. This year his efforts, combined with the generous funding from his family and friends, initiated the first phase of the community center space. As David says- it is the 'Power of Us'.
To quote from his 2017 winter appeal- "A year ago, my good friend Bob asked me, 'Why Haiti? Why not Appalachia?' It may be a question that's crossed your mind as well. My short answer: Medicaid, Social Security, Food Stamps, Welfare, ACA, Free Public Education, Medicare, Public Housing Agency, and FEMA. There is NO social safety net in Haiti. Americans have rightful complaints about our government, but until you spend time in a country where government aid is virtually non-existent, you don't realize how debilitating a natural disaster or a dysfunctional economy can be."
Read David's 2017 report:
Tom Tailer has been creating and spearheading several projects- collaborating with EVJDF and University of Vermont
Following Hurricane Matthew the HIDS project was launched. Using the HIDS (Humane Infrastructure Development System) cement panel design, ten domes (smaller version of the 20ft dome) have now been completed by staff and students of EVJDF. Strategically placed at 5 churches and homes of community leaders, they serve to showcase this structure as a means for evaluation of a continued program. After having many discussions in November, we are happy to report that these structures are highly valued in the community. The domes have a variety of day to day uses and will serve as safe shelter during any future natural disaster. We are currently researching how this program will move forward.
In March 2017 Tom traveled to Duchity with a group of UVM students. Several of them had been researching, designing and constructing a new Biosand filter utilizing the HIDS panels in Vermont. Their first prototype was successfully created on site at EVJDF. Plans are underway to determine the possibility for production at EVJDF which would greatly decrease transport costs, allow many more filters to be installed and provide jobs as well as skills practice for voc. students.
Prior to the March trip, Tom had worked in Vermont with several UVM students in the research and design of a zero water use septic system (KKP) that maximizes nutrient recovery and creates compost. During their trip in March they built the first KKP system at EVJDF. It uses the HIDS panel construction to form a raised bed. Over this bed sits an attractive, well ventilated and moveable outhouse frame. Human waste is covered daily with waste charcoal dust. When at capacity, the outhouse frame is transferred to the next raised bed, and a solar collector is placed over it; heating and dehydrating the waste to a safe level for planting non-root crop vegetables. After approx. one year the new compost will then be transferred to the garden. We are currently planning a winter 2018 trip to continue with monitoring and evaluation. Users at the school have given it high scores!
The microloan program in Desab was initiated in December 2016 modeled after the People Helping People organization's program in Nicaragua. Groups of four are selected and leader chosen who is tasked with ensuring the group's success. Continuation to another loan is dependent on repayment by all group members. Monthly meetings are held and open to the community for information and basic business/entrepreneurial education. Members also hold regular meetings for support, education and mentoring. Loans are interest-free. All repayments remain within the program.
Currently Fenel Jean coordinates, mentors and educates with the eventual goal to move towards a cooperative model. With additional funding this program will gradually expand, to a manageable number of groups, and to a maximum loan of $250.
The first group of women received $50 each. All four successfully repaid and received the next loan of $100. Another group of four women was chosen. Each received a $50 loan.
Two of the first four women now have a business selling food at the school and clinic, and two sell goods from their homes high in the mountains.
VHP has been so very fortunate to receive another grant from Sisters of Mercy which is, and has been, our primary source for funding what is truly a life saving program. Through the years we have also received several Rotary grants as well as individuals who have been committed to ensuring our continued efforts toward access to and clean water education.
2017 saw more than 50 new filters installed. Each filter provides an average of 10-20 people with clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing. The VHP technicians are also educators and provide continual follow-up to all recipients. The vocational school continues daily distribution and educational support for local families.
The school stood well against the 145 mph winds and 3 days of torrential rain, but many repairs were necessary. The complete devastation throughout the region made clear the community's need for safe shelter from natural disasters. A safe, secure cement roof replaced the metal over the main school building. The initial impetus and resources for then creating a second floor community space came with David Casey's 6th summer return with funding raised by his family and friends. Lane Tapley very generously donated the bulk of funds for finishing the space into a usable form,(i.e. needs finish work). Viola! Finally- a space large enough (3,600 sq. ft.) to host a variety of events from graduations, to meetings, educational seminars, wedding receptions and funerals etc.
The large 20 ft dome, completed just prior to the hurricane, using Tom Tailer's cement panel design stood without falter. Word has spread about this structure and several groups have come to learn about it. It now is used as the computer classroom/lab.
Also in 2017 a second floor added was added to the workshop building. Now an open air workshop below with classrooms above which are finished to a level of functionality,(i.e. needs finish work). Currently a local high school that was destroyed by the hurricane shares the use of these classrooms while they await funds for rebuilding.