Integrated Community Development Project
Contact: John Barnfield
Since 1989 Rayjon Share Care of Sarnia Inc. (RSCSI) has supported an Integrated Community Development Project in a remote area of rural Haiti. The project aims to assist communities, especially women, to organize themselves to access resources more effectively and to develop the skills needed to analyze, plan, implement and evaluate their actions for improving their situation. Priority is being given to Education, Health Care and Community Development.
The project in Haiti is implemented through Rayjon Share Care Haiti (RSCH); a totally Haitian organization of about 80 paid personnel many trained and developed through resources provided by RSCSI. It is comprised of administrators, teachers for our schools, coaches for adult education, nurses and field operators for health services.
BACKGROUND STATISTICS
Although education is highly valued in Haiti, literacy among the rural population is only 12% for males and 5% for females. Primary education services are inadequate, both in quantity and quality. Preschool programs are almost non-existent. Health Care in Haiti has deteriorated dramatically since the coup of 1991. It is estimated that malnutrition is a contributing factor in 60% of deaths of children under 5 years of age; diarrhoea and respiratory illness are also major problems. Agricultural output is reflected by the generally poor soil conditions and lack of water. Severe deforestation and soil erosion are prominent factors to be addressed.
Project #1: Education, Health Care and Good Governance
EDUCATION
• Rayjon supports 2 preschools, 3 primary schools and 1 high school, providing education to over 600 students. Daily feeding programs take place at the schools.
• Classroom materials are provided and teacher training programs are held every semester. Latrines have been constructed at all schools. Water sources established at two schools.
• Scholarship funds provided to continue beyond grade 6.
• Feeding programs have been initiated.
• A computer and clerical learning centre has been established.
• Adult alphabetization programs offered to 200 per year.
• Rayjon offers adult literacy and basic skills training courses including sewing, carpentry, mechanics, and business.
• Women’s Learning Centres have been established in 3 communities providing training in Community Living Skills, Sewing, Cooking, Crafts and Budgeting.
HEALTH CARE
• Rayjon now operates 2 clinics providing acute care coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for entire region of 30,000 people. In 12 months, over 11,000 patients were treated.
• A community health outreach program includes health education and vaccinations. Over 5,000 vaccinations are given each year.
• A new laboratory has been built at one of the clinics and is the only one of its kind in the area.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
• Rayjon holds free workshops in principles of social justice, democracy, and municipal management.
• A youth group engages in social activism activities such as writing poetry, and performing dance and street theatre to help educate the community.
• Youth workshops are held on topics such as conflict resolution, gender equity, and non-violence.
Project #2 Agribusiness, Environment, and Organization Skills Training
PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
• Training is held for local farmers in crop diversity, agribusiness, and how to access start-up financing.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
• Rayjon uses solar energy to power its schools and clinics. Training is provided to community members on how to install and maintain alternative energy systems.
• Three tree nurseries are in operation, and community tree planting is coordinated.
• Community members are trained in upgrading rural roads to better with stand heavy rains. Materials and equipment are provided.
BUILD ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY
• Training is given to Rayjon Share Care Haiti staff members in organizational effectiveness and team building.
Other Community Development Initiatives
• A new credit program has been launched. Five village banks established; over 200 women have been trained; micro businesses have been created.
• Grants are being used to enable larger projects including a grain mill, store and building block cooperative
• Several communities have built their own drinking water systems and are being maintained by themselves. Several communities have begun to construct their own latrines.
• Farmers from 6 communities have received training in agricultural techniques, including how to increase corn harvest.
• With the new grain mill and village bank increased production is expected.
• 100 Kms. of roads have been constructed.
FUNDING
The project is supported financially by the Canadian International Development Agency (C.I.D.A.) and donations from supporters.
Donations received from supporters are matched 3 to 1 by C.I.D.A.
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