Fondwa, Haiti

PIP’s strategic partners in Fondwa, the Association of Peasants of Fondwa (APF), began their collaboration in 1988 and for more than twenty years have set a standard for “defying the odds” and creating their particular “Fondwa model” of community development for rural Haiti.

Under the coordination of Fr. Joseph Philippe, a Haitian Catholic priest, APF has established a strong organizational structure with more than 400 members representing all 20 “zones” in the Fondwa region.  With deliberation and in spite of tremendous obstacles, APF built up local infrastructure:  a road, more than a dozen water catchment projects, tree nurseries to support reforestation, and a radio station – Radio Zetwal – that is the principle means of disseminating information in the Fondwa valley.

In the area or local economic development APF established numerous small businesses:  a bakery, a community restaurant, carpentry and welding shops, a credit union, an auto parts store, and a beverage depot.

Believing that “education is the means to overcome misery”, APF has created a noteworthy array of educational opportunities for the population of Fondwa including the St. Antoine school, which enrolls more than 600 children in preschool through secondary. Other educational opportunities include a system of "animators" (extension agents) and the University of Fondwa 2004. 
 

Post-Earthquake Fondwa – Devastation and Determination

The massive earthquake that shook Haiti on January 12, 2010 destroyed – in a mere 35 seconds – the visible evidence of more than 20 years of development work in Fondwa.

The Road to Recovery is Long and Steep

In spite of the devastation of the 2010 earthquake, the Fondwa community – under the leadership of APF and with its characteristic “odds defying” determination – began its journey to recovery almost immediately.  Because of the importance of education for the future of Fondwa and Haiti, the Fondwa school became a priority for the community.

Emergency support from PIP and other partners helped APF organize laborers to begin breaking up and clearing rubble at the sites of the former community and guest center, the St. Antoine School, and the University of Fondwa 2004 (UNIF).  Whatever could be salvaged was secured for future use.

Financial support from PIP together with financial support and volunteers from Family Health Ministries made possible the construction of several, temporary structures to serve as the transitional St. Antoine School.  Classes resumed less than two months after the quake.

Gradually – through the combined efforts of APF, Family Health Ministries and Partners in Progress – the temporary school structures were improved.  School resumed for the 2010-2011 academic year in mid-October with an enrollment of over 600 children! 

Planning for a new, permanent St. Antoine School campus is underway.  Field work for the design phase of the new school was completed in October.  Preliminary architectural drawings are complete, construction priorities are being reviewed, and a timeline is being prepared.