AHVED in Haiti Program Focus
I. Summary
The Association of Haitians Living Abroad for Development is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida. The corporation has paid all dues to the Florida Secretary of State’s office through December 31, 2009. The United States Internal Revenue Service recognizes AHVED as exempt from federal income tax under section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The following vision statement details AHVED’s plans for developing grass roots initiatives that address the most critical economic, educational, political and social challenges facing the Republic of Haiti and its people. AHVED’s Board of Trustees submits this statement as an introduction, a proposal and an appeal for support. AHVED is currently seeking funding, volunteers and creative partnerships with like-minded organizations in Haiti.
Some of the initiatives mentioned in this statement are already underway. AHVED’s ultimate desire is to shape an environment in which the people of Haiti take active “ownership” of the programs, nurture them and build on them. AHVED firmly believes that Haitians must help Haitians.
II. Introduction
AHVED is a non-profit, network of Haitian immigrants, community organizers and their supporters. Founded in 2007 by a group of concerned Haitian-American professionals, AHVED has 4,652 registered members in Haiti, The United States, Canada and France.
AHVED’s mission is to empower people throughout the Haitian Diaspora through community-based advocacy, provide desperately needed educational opportunities for children who live in Haiti and help Haitian immigrants in the U.S. successfully integrate into American society by promoting education, literacy, positive youth activities, patriotism and social responsibility.
In a short period of time, AHVED has developed several active programs. AHVED hosts a popular radio show known as “Zafe Sosyal.” Broadcasting in both Haiti and Southeast Florida, Zafe Sosyal provides its listeners with news, educational programming and opportunities for community involvement. AHVED is constructing a new school in Guiton, Haiti that will serve approximately 235 children. AHVED is working with leaders in St. Marc, Haiti to increase that community’s economic development. The organization has also negotiated large tuition discounts that will allow students from Haiti to study at several universities in San Jose, Costa Rica. The AHVED Cultural Club was recently founded in Lake Worth, Florida to give young people a way to showcase and develop their artistic talents.
AHVED’s future goals for its work in Haiti include economic development programs, expanded scholarship opportunities for college-bound students, social and civic awareness campaigns, new school construction projects and environmental restoration programs.
III. Needs/Problems
Haiti has been a sovereign nation for over 200 years; the only country in the western hemisphere primarily populated by people of African-descent, to claim that distinction. Yet, Haiti still struggles to realize the most basic dreams of those who fought for her independence.
Haiti remains one of the least developed countries in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest countries in the world. The nation’s economy relies heavily on aid from foreign governments and remittances from Haitians living abroad. In 2008 Haiti’s GDP was just over 6 billion US dollars. The average person in Haiti lives on no more than $1,663 per year. Agriculture makes up 27% of the GDP, while industry and commerce accounts for 8% and 40% respectively. The Real GDP growth rate is estimated at 3.2%. According to the U.S. State Department, analysts note serious problems with national accounts in Haiti, including incomplete coverage and the questionable accuracy of raw data.
Haiti’s political system frequently suffers from instability and corruption. According to AHVED’s research, the nation’s constitution is routinely violated, while public dollars are squandered or stolen.
Public education in Haiti is free, but the cost is still too high for most families who must pay for uniforms, books and other supplies. Due to a weak public school system, private or parochial schools account for the vast majority of primary education. Just 65% of all young children are actually enrolled and less than 35% complete their primary education. Enrollment on the secondary level hovers at around 20%. Haitians place a high value on education, but few can afford to send their children to secondary school and primary school enrollment is dropping because of economic hardship. The rate of illiteracy among adults is now growing at an alarming rate.
Millions of Haitians struggle to overcome illness, injury and disease without access to adequate health care. 1 out of 8 children die before the age of five. The average life expectancy is 56 years for women and 52 years for men. There is some good news. Despite the catastrophic effects of HIV/AIDS, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief points out that Haiti has managed to halt and reverse a generalized epidemic.
AHVED believes all of these problems have long had a disturbing impact on the way Haitians view themselves and the future of their country. A “culture of dependence” seems to dominate the national psyche. There is a deep sense of hopelessness and apathy; along with a pervasive disbelief in Haiti’s ability to become a fully-developed nation. Tens of thousands of skilled professionals and other workers have immigrated to the U.S. France, Canada and the Dominican Republic. AHVED fears far too many Haitians are simply waiting to do the same, instead of using their energy, education and ability to improve their native land.
IV. Goals/Objectives
Agriculture
AVHED is currently developing programs to create an agricultural cooperative to provide technical assistance to local producers. The cooperative will help them make the most productive and environmentally-sustainable use of Haitian farm land. The effort is intended to go hand in hand with plans for new, agricultural laboratory facility near...
Education
AHVED’s major education goal for 2009-2010 will be the completion of the school in Guiton. The organization seeks to ensure a basic education for 500,000 children by building 135 schools in the Communes over the next 10 years. AHVED will also work to expand its scholarship and discounted tuition program saw that students from Haiti can pursue a college education in countries such as Argentina and Brazil. Organizers will also work to decrease the rate of illiteracy among Haitian adults.
Patriotism/Civic Responsibility
We firmly believe that Haitians must take pride in their country, so a civic education campaign is a key component of the overall effort. Among other things, the campaign is designed to encourage all Haitian citizens to take an active role in their country’s economic and political development. The campaign will help Haitians understand the deeply-rooted causes of societal dysfunction. Citizens will be challenged to take an honest look at the interconnected nature of family instability, poverty, unemployment, injustice in the legal system and governmental corruption. The campaign seeks to inspire Haitians to affect positive change in their country; while demanding that elected leaders be held accountable.
Environmental Initiatives
AHVED’s environmental initiatives currently focus on supporting reforestation programs, solutions to soil erosion and the prevention of air pollution. AHVED is working to plant 5,000,000 trees to replace those lost to hurricanes and other disasters.
Healthcare Initiatives
Many of Haiti’s citizens struggle to survive injury, illness and disease without access to basic healthcare. HIV/AIDS continues to have a devastating effect on Haiti, but according to The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Haiti is one a few countries that has managed to halt and reverse a generalized epidemic. AHVED wants to continue that progress by supporting HIV and general STD awareness and prevention programs. AHVED is also working to raise funds to train new healthcare professionals and provide ambulances for communities in greatest need. AHVED Advisory Board member Dr. Jean Tallyrand will launch a health education radio program to be broadcast in Haiti and Haitian communities in the United States.
V. Procedures/Scope of Work
Coalition Building/Community Organization
AHVED recognizes that our goals cannot be attained without a strong, active network of local community organizers. AHVED seeks to recruit and train a core group of organizers who will draw in their families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Once engaged, activists and volunteers will be responsible for creating, sustaining and evaluating the programs. We must also build cooperative relationships with like-minded organizations who demonstrate a commitment to uplifting and improving Haitian society.
Fundraising
Community organizers, activists and groups will be called upon to gather and create viable funding resources. Funding can include cash donations, equipment donations and in-kind services. Selected organizers will be responsible for making sure the funds are honestly obtained, well-managed and properly spent. Fiscal responsibility and accountability must be enforced at all levels.
Governmental Affairs
AHVED seeks to help community activists and organizers develop productive relationships with Haiti’s governmental leaders. The governmental affairs initiative would provide ways in which Haitians learn the specifics of each office-holder’s function. The initiative would also encourage regular opportunities for productive communication governmental leaders and their constituents..
VI. Timetable
| Description of Work | State and End Dates | |
| Phase One | Create an overall organizing body for AHVED in Haiti | |
| Phase Two | Initiate Funding and program development | |
| Phase Three | Recruit and train locally-based community organizers and activists. |
VII. Budget
| Description of Work | Anticipated Costs | |
| Phase One | ||
| Phase Two | ||
| Phase Three |
VIII. Key Personnel
List the key personnel who will be responsible for completion of the project, as well as other personnel involved in the project.
IX. Evaluation
Discuss how progress will be evaluated throughout and at the end of the project.
X. Endorsements
Provide the names and addresses of individuals and companies who support and endorse the project.
XI. Next Steps
• Create a core organizational body
• Indentify Funding Resources
• Develop a three year plan
XII. Appendix
Provide supporting material for your proposal here.