PIP seeks to breakdown barriers between the developed world and economically poor countries like Haiti through educational outreach. At this moment in time, over 6 billion people live on our planet. Over two billion of these people live in absolute economic poverty with little or no access to education, healthcare, clean water or basic sanitation. Numbers like these can be overwhelming and are very difficult for most of us to understand. Concepts such as sustainable development, micro credit lending and economic democracy are exciting but confusing. This is especially true when populations are separated by different languages and cultures and geographical distances. The goal of Partners in Progress’ unique Educational Outreach mission is to facilitate the process of breaking down the barriers between the developed world and economically impoverished countries like Haiti and to communicate these concepts to individuals and groups in the United States. Many of the tools we use come from the People of Haiti. We share their images, their words and their visions and add our first hand experiences, along with relevant facts as we guide participants in a meaningful way along the path of awareness, compassion and commitment. Our educational programs and materials are both practical and interactive. They are designed for a variety of audiences and educational backgrounds and include: Educational outreach presentations by board members to grade school, high school and university students, church and community groups and healthcare workers. Educational tourism trips for those from the United States who are willing and able to travel. These trips allow participants to experience first hand, the beauty and the need that exists in Haiti. Educational materials for K-12 introducing concepts of sustainable development. We seek to address critical questions such as: “What can we do as individuals to make a difference when there is such great need?”  “Why should we help the people of Haiti when there are so many people in our own country who need help?” Indeed, we acknowledge the increasing disparities in economic and educational opportunities that have become more evident in our own communities. Although PIP as an organization concentrates efforts in Haiti, we believe that the underlying causes of poverty extend beyond geographic borders and are relevant to all of us. Haiti, as one of our closest neighbors, provides a window to a troubled part of our world that at times makes us feel sad, guilty and angry. But the hope and courage of groups like the Peasants Association of Fondwa as they struggle to improve their living conditions is both an inspiration and a cause for reflection. The lessons we learn on why and how and when we help others echo across the ocean as we confront the developing worlds that exist within our own communities, our workplaces, our families and within ourselves. As teachers we measure our success by the learning of our students. When considering the question, “What can we do as individuals?” we have found that many times the answers come from each of you. Whether we journey to each others worlds through words and images or by plane and on foot, when we identify and respect the needs and resources that exist in each one of us, we find ways to begin to create a better world for all! Partners in Progress Educational Outreach Materials Power Point and Slide Presentations: “The Story of Fondwa” “Partners in Progress Rural Sustainable Development” “Empowering Health Care in Rural Haiti: Clinical Laboratory Design Using Renewable Energy Resources” A Hand-Up, Not a Hand-Out” “Hope for Haiti: Community Based Sustainable Rural Development” “Overcoming Poverty in Haiti: Supporting Community Self-Reliance” Website (www.PIPHaiti.org) Newsletter (available online by year end 2004). Educational Module on Food Security: “Windows to Our Worlds” Community Based Health Educational Materials: currently under development. If you would like to arrange for a PIP Board Member to speak to your group or to order educational materials, Please contact us at info@piphaiti.org