What Haiti Needs, Now More Than Ever – January 2023

What Haiti Needs, Now More Than Ever – January 2023

Dear Friend,

As you know, 2022 presented new challenges to our work in Haiti. In July, gang wars resulted in the deaths of over 200 people in only a week. In October, Acting Prime Minister Henry did away with fuel subsidies, causing huge increases in gas prices and disruptions to clean water access. Twenty thousand people are thought to be at risk of starving, and cholera is widespread. This situation feels all-too-familiar today, on the 13th anniversary of the 2010 earthquake that set in motion the last large-scale cholera outbreak. These circumstances have led the International Crisis Group to name Haiti one of 10 conflicts to watch in 2023.

While La Gonave has been isolated from much of the gang violence, the island has felt the acute effects of high gas and food prices, resulting in mass protest on October 10th. Much of Rasin Devlopman’s staff splits its time between Port-au-Prince and La Gonave, but travel between the island and the mainland has become more expensive and more dangerous. As a result, it is much more difficult for staff to get to the island and back.

None of this has stopped the Rasin Devlopman staff from keeping their work on La Gonave moving forward. Their persistence and commitment to their work in the face of personal and national circumstances is truly inspiring.

Our 2022 Annual Report will be released soon, but I wanted to give you a taste of the things Roots and Rasin accomplished in Haiti last year:

  • 4 workshops (77 hours of training) for 45 Volontè pou Chanjman representing 8 of La Gonave’s 11 communal sections.
  • 21 projects completed throughout the year from Community Action Plans.
  • 22 knowledge-sharing Pase Mayet workshops led by 37 Volontè pou Chanjman, reaching an additional 415 people.
  • 3 classes of motorcycle training courses, reaching 48 young women, totaling about 1015 hours of instruction
  • 20 adolescents reached through Rasin’s new program, Ankadre, which teaches young people artisan skills and social entrepreneurship while also communicating the importance of civic responsibility and engagement.

2023 will be a crucial year for Roots and Rasin—one where we plan to exponentially increase our impact through new projects and large initiatives, like the La Gonave Community Leadership & Development Center.

It’s January, a time where we all make resolutions to be better, healthier, happier people. I’m asking you today to make a commitment to Roots—to become a monthly recurring donor for this year, whether it be $10 or $250 a month, and start 2023 off having already checked off your New Year Resolution.

Make your 2023 resolution to become a dedicated, committed supporter of Roots of Development. We need your help to make this year our most impactful yet.

As always, thank you for your support.

Chad Bissonnette
Executive Director

P.S., We’re hosting our first event of the year on February 12th! It’s a virtual flower arranging class taught by Marian Bissonnette of Foliage Blooms! We hope you’ll join us at this Valentine’s Day event (and invite your friends, family, and significant others to do the same). All proceeds go to Roots of Development, supporting motorcycle courses for young women.

Join us for a Virtual Flower Arranging Event

Join us February 12th at 2pm EST for a virtual fundraiser in support of young women’s motorcycle courses in Haiti! Learn how to purchase, arrange, and care for flowers like a professional. You’ll learn interesting facts about flowers and tips for creating beautiful arrangements for your home or as gifts for friends and family. All proceeds go directly to Roots of Development.

Get your significant other (or friends and family) the gift of creating their own Valentine’s Day flower arrangement!

$40 tax-deductible donation to participate.

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