Unexpected

Like Alice bumping into a talkative rabbit, two boys were startled by what they saw— a white stranger and big spider-like triangles of wood being walked across a steep field, a stone swinging on a string from each. They looked worried but after a moment’s hesitation, their curiosity took them down the rabbit hole. They found out what a plumb bob is and how it works to stake out a line of even elevation around a hill to make a terrace.

They didn’t go to school, they were too poor, but they had quick minds and when they returned the next day, this hill became their school. The staff became their teachers and together they did little experiments like pouring water on the ground to see what happens. It was beautiful to watch them figure out how to stop the water from washing the soil away. It was even more beautiful to see them a week later planting trees on the finished terraces. 

Their arrival was unexpected but we wove them into our purpose because we have learned that while planting trees is vital, it’s the partnership with people that is the key to our success. More than 98% of the trees we plant survive. 

That thought is the foundation of an ambitious project that will launch in January. It will plant one hundred thousand trees in a comprehensive program that will rescue sixty family farms, three hundred acres of degraded land, and the food supply of a thousand people. It will show what agroforestry looks like to people who have never known anything but bare mountains beyond bare mountains.  

It is a big undertaking, but we have big advantages. After six years of doing this we know what works, we are trusted, and we have the capacity to get it done.

As we approach the New Year, I hope you feel the power of what will be achieved by ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND TREES… and MORE. 

We are riders on the Earth together.

Rob Fisher, Executive Director

A Look Into Life at the Clinic!

We are so pleased to share with you a look into daily life at Clinique Espérance et Vie!

The first pictures are of patients waiting to be seen, with St. Barthélémy student Nehemie on the right waiting to be seen by Dr. Guerda for her regular check-up.

Next, St. Barthélémy student Wildania is getting bloodwork taken. Followed by Clinic staff members drawing blood from a young patient with the utmost care and compassion.

Being able to see a medical doctor when needed is not something taken for granted in Haiti. According to the World Health Organization, in Haiti, there are less than 2.4 medical doctors per 10,000 people. In the United States, there are over 36 medical doctors per 10,000 people (540 times more than in Haiti!). Many of those fortunate enough to make it to Clinique Espérance et Vie will see the Clinic’s primary medical doctor, Dr. Guerda Pierre Benjamin, who works full-time at the Clinic.

Vision care at Clinique Espérance et Vie has greatly expanded over the last few years, largely due to the efforts of the Clinic’s ophthalmologist (who is also one of the country’s few ophthalmologists!), Dr. Marie-Carmelle Lucien-Guerrier (pictured on the left), and the Canadian nonprofit, Iris Mundial, which is focused on improving visual health in developing countries. Dr. Carmelle will soon begin performing on-site cataract surgeries, enabling restored sight for our brothers and sisters in Haiti!

After a patient has had their visit, they may get lab work performed or a prescription filled, conveniently on-site at Clinique Espérance et Vie. All of this is provided without regard to the ability to pay. Students and staff at St. Bart’s also receive care free of charge at the Clinic - this helps promote personal and educational success - a wonderful example of the programs being stronger together!

We are truly grateful to each of our supporters for enabling all of this critical care in Terrier Rouge, Haiti!

Photos courtesy of Dominique Bruno!

St. Barthélémy Parade!

St. Barthélémy students recently showcased their talents with music and dance throughout Terrier Rouge, Haiti. Despite the rain, students enjoyed every moment of it! Thank you to everyone for enabling these special moments for St. Barthélémy students! Photos and video footage courtesy of Dominique Bruno!