Greetings from Cap!
It is Saturday morning and Auguste, Marlene and I are working. They are composing an email in Spanish to the information department of the University she wishes to attend in the Dominican Republic (Sendomeng in Kreyol). Marlene has completely recovered from breast surgery and we have secured her passport: Both are major achievements in one year. After navigating the treacherous Archives in Port-au-Prince, all her papers for her application are in order.
Last Saturday morning when I arrived back in Cap-Haitien after being in Canada, Auguste and Jackson met me at the airport, and, when I arrived at the house, Jaccques and Wisky were working. It takes about 30 seconds to feel at home after a trip to Canada. English is now my second language. We then held a staff meeting over breakfast at the Hotel Roi Christophe -- a culture shock in itself for Starthrower staff.
Hydro has been in very short supply since before I left Haiti in April. No power during the day and only a few hours during the night. The hydro has since dwindled to nothing. At the beginning of the week we tried to dedicate the solar power to running the refrigerator. However, just a few cloudy days made us realize that was not possible. Even using the coffee maker depletes the batteries.
For those coming to visit, we are now using our Igloo cooler (which we purchased in the spring for using with visitors and on trips to Sen Rafayel) as our fridge. Better than the alternative which is no cooling. We have so far been able to purchase ice made from potable water. Good thing we have no leftovers!!
Seems to always be a trade off with the electricity. The few nights it came on at about 9 p.m., so the carpenter and metal workers across the street had their saws going for as long as the hydro held. With the complete cessation of hydro, I can now hear without interference the voodoo drums, roosters and feral dogs.
Thanks to Mme Jane who visited Cap in May. I am so sorry you suffered the Haitian hitchhiker flu upon returning home. The vitamins and energy bars you brought were distributed within 48 hours. We have been able to give each youth a 2 month supply of vitamins to see them through June and July. For the first time, we were able to include Sen Rafayel students as well.
Also, the financial donation allowed us to continue our food distribution in Cap during exams. Due to insufficient funds, the food program ends next Sunday, June 22. Unfortunately we were not able to implement a program in Sen Rafayel. They really do get the short end of the straw. With prices quadrupling on some items, it was all we could do to struggle along in Cap.
And according to Claudy and Louisena, our staff members in Sen Rafayel, two of our kids there -- Francois, who has been one of our kids for 3 years now, and Yolene, for 7 -- have dropped out of school and have since disappeared. Both those students told Claudy that they were unable to continue as there was no food and they were always sick.
On a positive note, we are going to keep the potable water project going as long as possible. Staff want to see the project become a full time program as all are heartened by the decline in illnesses due to waterborne parasites and pathogens among our young people. Also want to duplicate the project in Sen Rafayel although logistics are more demanding. More difficult to sterilize the gallon jugs for refill. Here we are able to boil water - no such luxury in SR.
I feel as though I should say THIS JUST IN
Jack , Auguste and I were to meet in Cap at noon to have the Boss Mechanisyen check out a potential vehicle for us. Jack just phoned to say 'don't come'. There is a huge demonstration in Cap and only Haitians can get in and out of town on foot.
Public transit is at a standstill. We knew of the demonstration after receiving a notice inviting all to come wearing black and white to a Mach for Aba kidnapping -- a walk or march to stop the kidnappings. This is particularly important to Jack, as he received word last month that his 5 year old daughter, Diateline, was the target of kidnappers because 'she is cute and he works for a blan.'
Although our staff receive very small salaries, they DO at least HAVE jobs and working for a blan (white, foreigner) translates to access to wealth. Jack has been taking her to school and picking her up every day. Thank goodness her school year in over. Kidnappings continue on an hourly basis here. Some are released after ransom paid, some never seen again.
Again we have a dental problem on our hands. It seems the dentist we were using is not as good as we thought. Four of our kids have had problems with teeth he repaired. When we sent them back, he charged us full price again.
Auguste interviewed another dentist recommended by a friend. We sent one of our boys for a refilling of the one that fell out. This second dentist charged us more than $100 US saying, "Se yon blan-li ka peye" ("It's a foreigner. She can pay anything we charge.") Surprise for him -- we are not able to pay anything. With our kids needing a lifetime of catch up for dental problems, we would have sent him a lot of work had he charged a fair price. This way he has one visit and we still look for a dentist.
We have lost Jhennie from our staff. She is missed. Her sister in Sendomeng is having a difficult pregnancy and Jhennie was dispatched by family to care for her (pran swen). This is a very common Haitian custom. One of our girls, Nandecie, came in yesterday asking to return to school in September. She had to sit out this year to care for sick a family member in Hinche.
As the school year draws to a close, those in desperate situations begin to find us. In addition to our 130 +, Auguste began a new wait list the first of June. There are already 40 names on the list. This does not reflect the numbers in Sen Rafayel. Every one has a story that is real and heartbreaking. One at a time.
More later on our Book Recovery Program and killer mangoes.
Blessings
Sharon
Canadian Charity Working to Promote Social Justice & Education
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Clean Water Fitting Gift for Tenth Year in Haiti
Hello Everyone,
This year I celebrate 10 years in Haiti. It has been a process of conception, birth and growth. I have some good news to share with you all.
This week, Starthrower received a letter from the president of the United Nations Association USA Boulder - congratulating us on being their committee's choice this year as the focus of their fundraising efforts to provide a water purification system which will purify our water in Haiti, and allow for pure water distribution to our students.
In addition to the water being safer for everyone to use (staff, students, visitors), it will save us money that we currently spend on propane needed to boil it, as well as money we spend to buy potable water to distribute in 1-gallon jugs.
Here is an excerpt from that letter :
During the selection process, we expressed the need for staff (and perhaps student) involvement in the project. Justice invites participation; Justice is working together toward a common goal. So many will benefit from this project!
Thank you again, Jan in Colorado, for suggesting the selecting of Starthrower, and for having the patience to see the application through 10 months of discussion and meetings, always providing information requested and keeping our needs front and center with the committee. You are Starthrower personified.
As I reflect on the past decade, I look with awe at the wonderful staff we have assembled. How they have grown from those first few uncertain days in the house, trying to clean 6 years of garbage from the yard with no tools, no shoes, no socks or gloves for protection. Their loyalty, their commitment, their support of me, of one another and of the students we serve are certainly examples to be celebrated and emulated. We have shared laughter and tears, welcomed visitors, provided security for same, made heartbreaking decisions (due to lack of funds), always with sensitivity and respect.
We have been blessed by the many visitors who enter our compound -- some for a brief visit, some for a meal, some for a day to paint the office and the gallery. Some visitors who have stayed for a week or 10 days, have said at the end of their visit, "I can't leave! This is too important." And some of these visitors continue their relationships with the staff via email, thanks to the amazing satellite dish and internet access donated by Starthrower America.
Our cupboards and storage depot have been filled many times over by the many generous folks who have sent or delivered precious donations of medicine, clothing, school and hygiene supplies. And we have been blessed by the many generous financial donations which allow us to continue our work.
We are also energized by the amazing generosity of everyone, especially our new US partners at Starthrower America, and our Canadian board of directors.
Thank you all for 10 amazing years. May the next 10 be blessed.
Beni-w
Sharon
This year I celebrate 10 years in Haiti. It has been a process of conception, birth and growth. I have some good news to share with you all.
This week, Starthrower received a letter from the president of the United Nations Association USA Boulder - congratulating us on being their committee's choice this year as the focus of their fundraising efforts to provide a water purification system which will purify our water in Haiti, and allow for pure water distribution to our students.
In addition to the water being safer for everyone to use (staff, students, visitors), it will save us money that we currently spend on propane needed to boil it, as well as money we spend to buy potable water to distribute in 1-gallon jugs.
Here is an excerpt from that letter :
"One criteria for our action projects is that they have a relationship with a United Nations body or activity. The work of Starthrower reflects the Education for ALL actions of UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP and the World Bank . . .The selection of Starthrower as the beneficiary of the UN committee fundraising activities has provided such a spark of energy to all of us, especially to our staff in Cap-Haitien. I'm certain when the work begins they will all want to be part of the installation team! This is good, as once the system is installed, and the experts have gone, we will be required to maintain the system.
"Furthermore, access to safe water is a current priority of UNICEF through its Tap Project. Finally, we see your work as an outstanding example of an NGO working toward achievement of the Millennium Development Goals . . .
"We look forward to working with you and Starthrower Foundation in achieving our goal of providing safe drinking water to young people at the Starthrower Center in Cap Haitien."
During the selection process, we expressed the need for staff (and perhaps student) involvement in the project. Justice invites participation; Justice is working together toward a common goal. So many will benefit from this project!
Thank you again, Jan in Colorado, for suggesting the selecting of Starthrower, and for having the patience to see the application through 10 months of discussion and meetings, always providing information requested and keeping our needs front and center with the committee. You are Starthrower personified.
As I reflect on the past decade, I look with awe at the wonderful staff we have assembled. How they have grown from those first few uncertain days in the house, trying to clean 6 years of garbage from the yard with no tools, no shoes, no socks or gloves for protection. Their loyalty, their commitment, their support of me, of one another and of the students we serve are certainly examples to be celebrated and emulated. We have shared laughter and tears, welcomed visitors, provided security for same, made heartbreaking decisions (due to lack of funds), always with sensitivity and respect.
We have been blessed by the many visitors who enter our compound -- some for a brief visit, some for a meal, some for a day to paint the office and the gallery. Some visitors who have stayed for a week or 10 days, have said at the end of their visit, "I can't leave! This is too important." And some of these visitors continue their relationships with the staff via email, thanks to the amazing satellite dish and internet access donated by Starthrower America.
Our cupboards and storage depot have been filled many times over by the many generous folks who have sent or delivered precious donations of medicine, clothing, school and hygiene supplies. And we have been blessed by the many generous financial donations which allow us to continue our work.
We are also energized by the amazing generosity of everyone, especially our new US partners at Starthrower America, and our Canadian board of directors.
Thank you all for 10 amazing years. May the next 10 be blessed.
Beni-w
Sharon
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Haiti Unrest, Sen Rafayel, Water supply, vehicle news
Hello Everyone,
I am in Canada for the next few weeks. I had planned to stay here until the end of June, but with the situation in Haiti deteriorating quite rapidly (no hydro, iffy phone service, airport closures, manifestations (protests) gun fire), I don't like to be away from Haiti for too long. A group of visitors planning to come in May has postponed travel until the situation improves. I am glad to hear this, as this is not a good time for first time visitors.
I had been dedicating our solar power to running the fridge, and only occasionally disconnecting it to use the internet. I don't know how much further prices can escalate. There is so little left to purchase that those who have stockpiled goods are making a fortune. And the gap between rich and poor widens yet again.
When M. Brutus arrived to collect rent one morning at 7 a.m., he said that he had walked from town (about 5 miles) as no taxis or tap taps were operating that day due to gasoline shortage. Some taxis and tap taps started operating again a few days later, but gas now costs $100 Haitian a gallon ($14.50 US).
Only a few stations were open with very long lines and very short tempers. Most of those in gas lines also had drums they fill for reserve. One day, I went to town, and traffic was about half its normal frantic self. Our taxi driver said that he sat home all weekend as no one was travelling. He is single and supporting his mother, brothers and sisters. The price of gas later dropped to $80 Haitian per gallon ($11.50 US). I don't know where it is now. Taxi and tap tap drivers are more casualties of the current situation. That means many of the small middle class are now directly affected by rising prices and scarce commodities.
The announced 15 % drop in taxes on rice is a mere drop in the proverbial bucket when we are paying 3 and 4 times what we did last September. This only lowers the price of a sack of rice by $20 Haitian ($3 USD) Last year, we paid $120 Haitian ($17 USD) a sack. Currently, we pay $400 Haitian, so this tax cut only drops the cost to $380 Haitian per sack. Yet even so, the store still charges $395 Haitian ($60 USD) a sack, so we doubled up on cornmeal instead.
The tax cut seems to help only those who purchase in huge quantities. The poor who purchase rice by the cup (gode) receive NO relief whatsoever. Once again, the rich will get along and the poor will be worse off. With scarce commodities and high prices, staff no longer have enough to provide for their families. They need double their salary now just to eat and we do not have the resources to give them a pay raise.
When we sent Camiose and Edwina to the corner clinic for stomach pain and gas, they came back with requisitions for lab work ( testing for gastric ulcers, anemia, intestinal parasites, vag. infections), and the PRICE OF LAB TESTS HAS TRIPLED SINCE LAST WEEK, quite possibly because there is no electricity therefore the lab must need to run machines using a gas-driven generator. If this keeps up, we won't be able to afford school tuition etc. -- just a little food with medical and dental support. Again, I shake my head.
Sen Rafayel News
The week before I left, Jeff (USA) came to visit for 2 days. I had hired a driver and kamyonet to take us to Sen Rafayel. The village had been cut off completely as the road was blocked by burning barricades, part of the country wide protest. Schools had been closed in Sen Rafayel as demonstrations continued, and may still be closed. The road was opened for a few hours on the Sunday so although the staff chose to go to Sen Rafayel, Jeff and I decided not to make the trip, a difficult decision, but certainly the correct one given the tension.
Auguste (one of the staff who did make the trip) had never been up the mountain before, and, as Director of Education for Starthrower in Cap-Haitien, he needed to see what we deal with in Sen Rafayel. Although he himself is one of 'the poorest of the poor', he was very shaken by the misery he witnessed there. He thought it could get no worse than Cap.
Auguste talked at great length one day after work, asking me what more we can do to support (ie feed) our current young people, and also take on the many who wait. Much of our energy is directed here in Cap-Haitien, and so Sen Rafayel seems forgotten, except for school fees and uniforms. This is an SOS -- We should at least establish a food and water program there as well.
We can't do full scale food distribution as in Cap-Haitien, but we will hire Kesner's teenage sister and one of the women in the village to make sandwiches in our Sen Rafayel branch office Mon-Fri. We will also purchase and distribute Tampico (juice) every other day. The alternate days, students can bring in their empty bottle and fill it with potable water which we keep in the office.
Those who attend school in the morning can come to eat at break time (rekreasyon). Those who attend in the afternoon can come before class. We will send a list and have our sandwich makers check off names each day. It is a baby step but better than spinning our wheels. (if we had wheels to spin, that is)
Water Works
The good news is that fundraising is underway in the US for our new water purification system. AJ and Frank (our water experts from NJ) were here for the week. (Since the Port-au-Prince airport remained closed due to unrest, and buses had not been running between Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince as the road had been closed at Gonaives by manifestations, AJ and Frank were fortunate in getting seats instead on Lynx and flying to Miami. Travel plans, currently, must be flexible and day to day).
At the request of staff, AJ and Frank tested the water in two katiye-yo (zones) -- Auguste (Haut de Cap) and Jacque (La Boul). Auguste's water is okay for bathing and laundry; Jacque's water supply is as contaminated as ours -- poison for every activity.
Jacque is devastated by the info that his water is so contaminated. With 2 daughters (ages 2 and 6) and 3-4 thousand people using the same supply, staff here have seen the illnesses and deaths. Of particular concern is the high nitrate level, extremely dangerous for children. Jacque tells us most have constant diarrhea, skin infections etc . Many die of undiagnosed illnesses.
The Sante Publik (Dept. of Health) tested the water and said it was okay for everything, although best not to drink if possible. How do the poor purchase potable water when they haven't enough money even for food?
As a result of the water testing last week, we are now providing gallon jugs of potable water for staff living in La Boul. Our staff and students living in that zone have an inordinately high number and frequency of abcesses. After the water testing, we now know why. Jhennie had an abcess the size of an orange under her right arm. We had been using homeopathics and antibiotic cream. It finally broke (pete) on the weekend and she is able to once again to move her arm freely.
Education is so important, and our staff members are becoming very knowledgeable about water borne illnesses, and they do a great job of passing on what they learn to our students. They now have a good understanding of WHY potable water is critical to the health of a country, and are passing that on.
This water testing process has been a great learning experience for me as well as staff. Our centre, and Jacque's katiye (zone) are microcosms of the macrocosm that is Haiti, as is Haiti for the poor of this planet. Purchase and installation could take a while but we are already reaping the benefits in education.
Vehicle Update
About the vehicle we are trying to purchase (thanks to a generous US donor who understands the need): I sent Jacques and Auguste to check on what's required. After spending a frustrating morning at DGE trying to get a kat d'identite, it seems I must go to Port-au-Prince for a permis de sejou and register the organization before I can even buy a USED vehicle.
Daniel (who works for the UN) told me that the government is phasing out those requirements, as I had heard also from other reliable sources, but no one, apparently, has told the DGE employees. The bos mechanisyen said the Isuzu needed work, which Daniel had told us. He also said he wouldn't guarantee it. So the search coninues.
I am working on a new list of things we need, and will post it as soon as possible. I have a tremendous amount of work (speaking engagements, moving to a smaller apartment, Starthrower administration, and purchasing supplies) to finish before I return the end of May.
Thanks to all those who donated money and goods to Starthrower. With your help, we CAN make a difference!
Sharon
I am in Canada for the next few weeks. I had planned to stay here until the end of June, but with the situation in Haiti deteriorating quite rapidly (no hydro, iffy phone service, airport closures, manifestations (protests) gun fire), I don't like to be away from Haiti for too long. A group of visitors planning to come in May has postponed travel until the situation improves. I am glad to hear this, as this is not a good time for first time visitors.
I had been dedicating our solar power to running the fridge, and only occasionally disconnecting it to use the internet. I don't know how much further prices can escalate. There is so little left to purchase that those who have stockpiled goods are making a fortune. And the gap between rich and poor widens yet again.
When M. Brutus arrived to collect rent one morning at 7 a.m., he said that he had walked from town (about 5 miles) as no taxis or tap taps were operating that day due to gasoline shortage. Some taxis and tap taps started operating again a few days later, but gas now costs $100 Haitian a gallon ($14.50 US).
Only a few stations were open with very long lines and very short tempers. Most of those in gas lines also had drums they fill for reserve. One day, I went to town, and traffic was about half its normal frantic self. Our taxi driver said that he sat home all weekend as no one was travelling. He is single and supporting his mother, brothers and sisters. The price of gas later dropped to $80 Haitian per gallon ($11.50 US). I don't know where it is now. Taxi and tap tap drivers are more casualties of the current situation. That means many of the small middle class are now directly affected by rising prices and scarce commodities.
The announced 15 % drop in taxes on rice is a mere drop in the proverbial bucket when we are paying 3 and 4 times what we did last September. This only lowers the price of a sack of rice by $20 Haitian ($3 USD) Last year, we paid $120 Haitian ($17 USD) a sack. Currently, we pay $400 Haitian, so this tax cut only drops the cost to $380 Haitian per sack. Yet even so, the store still charges $395 Haitian ($60 USD) a sack, so we doubled up on cornmeal instead.
The tax cut seems to help only those who purchase in huge quantities. The poor who purchase rice by the cup (gode) receive NO relief whatsoever. Once again, the rich will get along and the poor will be worse off. With scarce commodities and high prices, staff no longer have enough to provide for their families. They need double their salary now just to eat and we do not have the resources to give them a pay raise.
When we sent Camiose and Edwina to the corner clinic for stomach pain and gas, they came back with requisitions for lab work ( testing for gastric ulcers, anemia, intestinal parasites, vag. infections), and the PRICE OF LAB TESTS HAS TRIPLED SINCE LAST WEEK, quite possibly because there is no electricity therefore the lab must need to run machines using a gas-driven generator. If this keeps up, we won't be able to afford school tuition etc. -- just a little food with medical and dental support. Again, I shake my head.
Sen Rafayel News
The week before I left, Jeff (USA) came to visit for 2 days. I had hired a driver and kamyonet to take us to Sen Rafayel. The village had been cut off completely as the road was blocked by burning barricades, part of the country wide protest. Schools had been closed in Sen Rafayel as demonstrations continued, and may still be closed. The road was opened for a few hours on the Sunday so although the staff chose to go to Sen Rafayel, Jeff and I decided not to make the trip, a difficult decision, but certainly the correct one given the tension.
Auguste (one of the staff who did make the trip) had never been up the mountain before, and, as Director of Education for Starthrower in Cap-Haitien, he needed to see what we deal with in Sen Rafayel. Although he himself is one of 'the poorest of the poor', he was very shaken by the misery he witnessed there. He thought it could get no worse than Cap.
Auguste talked at great length one day after work, asking me what more we can do to support (ie feed) our current young people, and also take on the many who wait. Much of our energy is directed here in Cap-Haitien, and so Sen Rafayel seems forgotten, except for school fees and uniforms. This is an SOS -- We should at least establish a food and water program there as well.
We can't do full scale food distribution as in Cap-Haitien, but we will hire Kesner's teenage sister and one of the women in the village to make sandwiches in our Sen Rafayel branch office Mon-Fri. We will also purchase and distribute Tampico (juice) every other day. The alternate days, students can bring in their empty bottle and fill it with potable water which we keep in the office.
Those who attend school in the morning can come to eat at break time (rekreasyon). Those who attend in the afternoon can come before class. We will send a list and have our sandwich makers check off names each day. It is a baby step but better than spinning our wheels. (if we had wheels to spin, that is)
Water Works
The good news is that fundraising is underway in the US for our new water purification system. AJ and Frank (our water experts from NJ) were here for the week. (Since the Port-au-Prince airport remained closed due to unrest, and buses had not been running between Cap-Haitien and Port-au-Prince as the road had been closed at Gonaives by manifestations, AJ and Frank were fortunate in getting seats instead on Lynx and flying to Miami. Travel plans, currently, must be flexible and day to day).
At the request of staff, AJ and Frank tested the water in two katiye-yo (zones) -- Auguste (Haut de Cap) and Jacque (La Boul). Auguste's water is okay for bathing and laundry; Jacque's water supply is as contaminated as ours -- poison for every activity.
Jacque is devastated by the info that his water is so contaminated. With 2 daughters (ages 2 and 6) and 3-4 thousand people using the same supply, staff here have seen the illnesses and deaths. Of particular concern is the high nitrate level, extremely dangerous for children. Jacque tells us most have constant diarrhea, skin infections etc . Many die of undiagnosed illnesses.
The Sante Publik (Dept. of Health) tested the water and said it was okay for everything, although best not to drink if possible. How do the poor purchase potable water when they haven't enough money even for food?
As a result of the water testing last week, we are now providing gallon jugs of potable water for staff living in La Boul. Our staff and students living in that zone have an inordinately high number and frequency of abcesses. After the water testing, we now know why. Jhennie had an abcess the size of an orange under her right arm. We had been using homeopathics and antibiotic cream. It finally broke (pete) on the weekend and she is able to once again to move her arm freely.
Education is so important, and our staff members are becoming very knowledgeable about water borne illnesses, and they do a great job of passing on what they learn to our students. They now have a good understanding of WHY potable water is critical to the health of a country, and are passing that on.
This water testing process has been a great learning experience for me as well as staff. Our centre, and Jacque's katiye (zone) are microcosms of the macrocosm that is Haiti, as is Haiti for the poor of this planet. Purchase and installation could take a while but we are already reaping the benefits in education.
Vehicle Update
About the vehicle we are trying to purchase (thanks to a generous US donor who understands the need): I sent Jacques and Auguste to check on what's required. After spending a frustrating morning at DGE trying to get a kat d'identite, it seems I must go to Port-au-Prince for a permis de sejou and register the organization before I can even buy a USED vehicle.
Daniel (who works for the UN) told me that the government is phasing out those requirements, as I had heard also from other reliable sources, but no one, apparently, has told the DGE employees. The bos mechanisyen said the Isuzu needed work, which Daniel had told us. He also said he wouldn't guarantee it. So the search coninues.
I am working on a new list of things we need, and will post it as soon as possible. I have a tremendous amount of work (speaking engagements, moving to a smaller apartment, Starthrower administration, and purchasing supplies) to finish before I return the end of May.
Thanks to all those who donated money and goods to Starthrower. With your help, we CAN make a difference!
Sharon
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Good Used Vehicles, Housing Needed in Haiti
Hello Everyone,
From time to time in the updates, I have mentioned that Starthrower needs to have its own vehicle in Haiti, but I have not gone into much detail. After the recent update about why we need our cats, and cat food, I thought that I should explain why we need a vehicle here in Haiti, and, even with the overwhelming need for food and medical supplies here, why a vehicle is a necessity, not a luxury.
So here, in what is likely more detail than you need, are the reasons why Starthrower needs to have at least one vehicle in Haiti (though given the wide geographic area we travel, two vehicles would be even better).
Why Starthrower needs a vehicle:
We draw our young people from a fairly wide geographic area, and need to take them to various medical clinics, schools, etc. in various locations. When we have to stand and wait for an hour for taxis and the cost of taxis, it takes up a lot of time that could be used better.
A used vehicle usually costs $10,000 -$15,000 USD, and even then, are in short supply, and there is much competition for them when they do come up for sale.
By outlining the reasons we need a vehicle of our own, I hope you all can better understand and appreciate our situation here. I am most acutely aware of the great many other things that we could buy for that amount of money. I arrived at this conclusion based on my 10 years experience in Haiti, and almost 5 years experience working with our staff, students and schools, and living among those Starthrower serves, in two very geographically challenging locations. It is only possible to know what is needed here after living and experiencing to the fullest the misery inflicted upon these young people.
While I am at it, I may as well mention the need for proper housing. Student housing is an ongoing critical issue. Two more of our girls were put out of their ti kays on the weekend. These orphans are at the mercy of whomever is paying the bills and have no security. We really need to find a way to offer them proper shelter. How can they concentrate on their studies when they suddenly have no place to live?
If we purchased the partially completed house in La Violette and put on a second story, we could easily house 14 young people very comfortably. Asking price is $25,000 USD (down from original $40,000 USD. To complete the second storey construction, it would cost about $25,000 USD.
Beni-w
Sharon
From time to time in the updates, I have mentioned that Starthrower needs to have its own vehicle in Haiti, but I have not gone into much detail. After the recent update about why we need our cats, and cat food, I thought that I should explain why we need a vehicle here in Haiti, and, even with the overwhelming need for food and medical supplies here, why a vehicle is a necessity, not a luxury.
So here, in what is likely more detail than you need, are the reasons why Starthrower needs to have at least one vehicle in Haiti (though given the wide geographic area we travel, two vehicles would be even better).
Why Starthrower needs a vehicle:
- Security - Staff has been robbed in the market waiting for taxis
- Safe travel for me (I have been robbed 3 times on public transit)
- Transport goods to and from shops, customs office, etc
- Transport goods, text books, foods, to and from Sen Rafayel (28 km / 17 miles; a 3-hour trip), pay tuition, visit those in crisis
- Transport students to and from home/doctor in Cap-Haitien and outlying hospitals
- Home visits to students in areas not accessible by taxi (taxi drivers refuse to enter some areas)
- Reliability and cost of taxis
- Weekly food purchases in bullk (100 lb. bags) for our twice weekly distribution program
- Transporting propane tanks for refill
- Purchasing house supplies/hygiene products in bulk for student distribution
- Transport students to Carfoumoustik for x-rays, sonograms (45 miles / 73 km), accompanied by staff
- Transport students to Sacre Coeur Hospital in Milot, for surgery (accompanied by staff)
- To Milot for pre/post op appointments
- To Hopital Justinien for emergencies
- Drs. Jerome and Bell for private consultations
- Dr. Junior for dental emergencies
- Labs for analysis
- Home visits to students in Cap-Haitien
- Purchase and deliver beds, mattresses, mosquito nets to students homes
- Transport centre repair/building supplies - - heavy things like planks, sacks of cement etc (same for repair to student residences)
- To various schools to pay school fees
- Security for trips to do banking
- Delivering ill students to their homes
- Delivering meds and potable water to those too ill to come to Starthrower's centre
- Purchase and transport 5 gallon containers of water currently used in our 6 month Potable Water Project
We draw our young people from a fairly wide geographic area, and need to take them to various medical clinics, schools, etc. in various locations. When we have to stand and wait for an hour for taxis and the cost of taxis, it takes up a lot of time that could be used better.
A used vehicle usually costs $10,000 -$15,000 USD, and even then, are in short supply, and there is much competition for them when they do come up for sale.
By outlining the reasons we need a vehicle of our own, I hope you all can better understand and appreciate our situation here. I am most acutely aware of the great many other things that we could buy for that amount of money. I arrived at this conclusion based on my 10 years experience in Haiti, and almost 5 years experience working with our staff, students and schools, and living among those Starthrower serves, in two very geographically challenging locations. It is only possible to know what is needed here after living and experiencing to the fullest the misery inflicted upon these young people.
While I am at it, I may as well mention the need for proper housing. Student housing is an ongoing critical issue. Two more of our girls were put out of their ti kays on the weekend. These orphans are at the mercy of whomever is paying the bills and have no security. We really need to find a way to offer them proper shelter. How can they concentrate on their studies when they suddenly have no place to live?
If we purchased the partially completed house in La Violette and put on a second story, we could easily house 14 young people very comfortably. Asking price is $25,000 USD (down from original $40,000 USD. To complete the second storey construction, it would cost about $25,000 USD.
Beni-w
Sharon
Monday, March 24, 2008
Privacy
Privacy Policy for Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com
Privacy of visitors to Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com is important
Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com recognizes that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information is received and collected when you use visit Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com, and how this information is safeguarded. Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com never sells your personal information to third parties.
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Cookies and Web Beacons
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A web beacon is a tiny transparent graphic image which is placed on a website to track the movements of visitors for statistical or navigation purposes. The Web beacons can also be used to manage the information which is collected by cookies, and if you have chosen to not accept cookies, your visit will be recorded as anonymous. For example some websites provide passwords to login.
You can chose to disable or selectively turn off Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com cookies or third-party cookies in your browser settings, or by managing preferences in programs such as Norton Internet Security. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites. This could include the inability to login to services or programs, such as logging into forums or accounts. Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com doesn't use web beacons on this site; however some of my website's business partners and affiliated partners may do so in connection with their advertising, to track where the sales of their products and services have come from. Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com does not have any access to information collected by third party (other company/website) web beacon data collection.
Links
This blog does contains links to other sites (such as Starthrower Foundation . org, which has its own privacy policy), or other affiliates, such as Amazon . com, and Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com is not responsible for the privacy practices of any of those websites. This privacy policy applies to information collected by and contained in this website alone.
For additional information about electronic privacy issues and the management of personal information in the private sector, or to view a copy of Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), contact the office of The Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.privcom.gc.ca or write to:
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada
112 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1H3
CANADA
phone: 1.613.995.8210 or 1.800.282.1376
email: info [at] privcom.gc.ca
Changes To This Privacy Policy
Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com reserves the right to change this privacy policy at any time. Please check this page periodically for changes to the privacy policy. Your continued use of this site following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. Information collected prior to the time any change is posted will be used according to the rules and laws that applied at the time the information was collected.
Contact Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com
Post a comment below or by mail: Administration , #190-1055 Shawnmarr Road, Mississauga ON Canada L5H 3V2
Privacy of visitors to Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com is important
Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com recognizes that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information is received and collected when you use visit Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com, and how this information is safeguarded. Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com never sells your personal information to third parties.
Log Files
As with most other web blogs, we collect and use the data contained in log files. The information in the log files include your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL or Shaw Cable), the browser you used to visit our site (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), the time you visited our site and which pages you visited throughout our site.
Cookies and Web Beacons
Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com uses third party advertisements to support the site. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on this site, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense program) information including your IP address, your ISP, the browser you used to visit our site, and in some cases, whether you have Flash installed. This is generally used for geotargeting purposes (showing New York real estate ads to someone in New York, for example) or showing certain ads based on specific sites visited (such as showing cooking ads to someone who frequents cooking sites).
A web beacon is a tiny transparent graphic image which is placed on a website to track the movements of visitors for statistical or navigation purposes. The Web beacons can also be used to manage the information which is collected by cookies, and if you have chosen to not accept cookies, your visit will be recorded as anonymous. For example some websites provide passwords to login.
You can chose to disable or selectively turn off Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com cookies or third-party cookies in your browser settings, or by managing preferences in programs such as Norton Internet Security. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites. This could include the inability to login to services or programs, such as logging into forums or accounts. Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com doesn't use web beacons on this site; however some of my website's business partners and affiliated partners may do so in connection with their advertising, to track where the sales of their products and services have come from. Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com does not have any access to information collected by third party (other company/website) web beacon data collection.
Google uses the DART cookie to serve ads to our users based on their previous visits to our sites and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html .
Links
This blog does contains links to other sites (such as Starthrower Foundation . org, which has its own privacy policy), or other affiliates, such as Amazon . com, and Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com is not responsible for the privacy practices of any of those websites. This privacy policy applies to information collected by and contained in this website alone.
For additional information about electronic privacy issues and the management of personal information in the private sector, or to view a copy of Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), contact the office of The Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.privcom.gc.ca or write to:
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada
112 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1H3
CANADA
phone: 1.613.995.8210 or 1.800.282.1376
email: info [at] privcom.gc.ca
Changes To This Privacy Policy
Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com reserves the right to change this privacy policy at any time. Please check this page periodically for changes to the privacy policy. Your continued use of this site following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. Information collected prior to the time any change is posted will be used according to the rules and laws that applied at the time the information was collected.
Contact Starthrower-foundation . blogspot . com
Post a comment below or by mail: Administration , #190-1055 Shawnmarr Road, Mississauga ON Canada L5H 3V2
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