FAMVIN: The International Vincentian Family

Another take on the importance of the Zafèn project of the Vincentian Family. There is no social security in Haiti – the Diaspora is the safety net of so many. Zafèn gives the Haitian expatriate community an opportunity to give back not only in money transfers but also in talent. The resources are limited in [...]

The creator of Farmville, Zynga, has raised more than $3.6 million for Haiti. Mark Pincus, Zynga’s founder and CEO, calls this “solidarity not charity.” Zynga describes this approach to giving back in this way: “Solidarity not charity is a culture that is not seeking a handout but instead is seeking a partnership, and a culture that had demonstrated by its past that it is worthy of our respect, of our collaboration and our sustained commitment.”

De Paul University released a very effective YouTube video “Zafèn: An Online Microloan Program for Haitian Entrepreneurs” featuring among others the General Consul of Haiti, a representative of the Haitian Diaspora Liason and the President of DePaul along with clips that effectively tell the story of Zafen.

The fishermen of Petit-Anse depend on boats for their livelihood and need new motors that save gas. Fuel expenses have been eating up profits. Can you help this co-op acquire fuel-efficient motors to transform their business?

Nothing succeeds like success! The first group of projects funded through Zafen are beginning to pay back their lenders. They represents small local entrepreneurs who are now back in business.

Zafen, the Vincentian Family Haiti Project, is attracting attention on KIVA, one of the best known micro-lending projects.