CHALLENGES FOR COLORADO HAITI PROJECT

Haiti’s devastating earthquake on Jan. 12 captured the world’s attention and brought immense rescue efforts to the poor island nation.

But long before this disaster, an ongoing effort to extend aid and education was in place. The Colorado Haiti Project, a statewide nonprofit founded in 1989, extends aid to the poorest rural people in Petit Trou de Nippes, 80 miles west of Port-au-Prince.

Boulder Rotarian Paul Casey, who is Executive Director of the Colorado Haiti Project, last week gave the Boulder Rotary Club a stunning update on the current situation in the devastated nation and an inspiring account of the work of his organization. Supported by Episcopal churches and private donations, the Project provides an integrated model of community development in a mission setting through education, vocational training, health care, nutrition, and clean water.

The organization’s aim is to develop all the elements for a healthy, self-sufficient community: schooling, micro-credit lending, safe water, adequate nutrition, and basic health care. Careful coordination with community leaders assures cooperation and leads toward establishing a sustainable infrastructure.

Casey stated his organization’s mission clearly: “Our partners in Haiti seek self- sufficiency, not handouts, and we seek ways to help every individual find a life of hope and dignity.”

Until the recent disaster disrupted the entire country, progress was evident in breaking the cycle of extreme poverty. People were getting involved in their own destiny. There was hope.

The earthquake, with its 33 heavy aftershocks, killed more than 222,000 people. With no margin of safety even before the disaster, the present situation for the people is ominous.

What can be done? Against all odds, the Colorado Haiti Project will continue its mission. Casey said the key is to “listen to people,” and hear from them what they actually need.

The Project’s immediate focus is on food and health care access for refugees, working with local markets and institutions. Looking ahead, the list of needs is daunting: Long-term food security, medical aid, vocational training for unskilled men, a women’s co-op, wells for clean water, and basic hygiene education and family planning.

Casey is a man with a heartfelt mission in Haiti. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi in describing the Colorado Haiti Project as “an experiment in truth.” His Rotary audience was moved by his heartfelt commitment to his task and to his Haitian friends.

--Reported by Carol Grever

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