VFHI Newsletter – October 2015

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Featured stories:Advancing the Quality of Education in our Partner Schools

Since October 2013, Vincentian Family Haiti Initiative’s (VFHI) Feeding Program has allowed 4,250 children from 17 schools in Port-au-Prince and Central Plateau, to receive a daily hot meal. Our program doesn’t just end there, as Vincentians, we have a commitment to systemic change. We have a second prong focused on assisting these schools to improve their overall educational level.

Congratulations to Graduates, Farewell to Prof. Cean

Last year, 23 students from Centre de Formation Fritz Lafontant (CFFL) and 2 professors completed the construction of VFHI administrative building at our Fish Farm in Central Plateau of Haiti. CFFL agronomy students worked to test the agricultural feasibility of the soil at the farm. CFFL is one of our main partners and a vocational school in Central Plateau that teaches agriculture, construction, and woodworking. The center is connected with Partners in Health through their Partners in Agriculture program (Zanmi Agrikol in Kreyòl). VFHI was the-first client-based practical experience for these students. The first cohort of students graduated last summer. Graduation was a day of celebration for the students, parents, and teachers who have seen them grow to become young and bright leaders for their communities.

Farm Manager Yamileh Jean-Pierre Shares her Experience

When I first started working in Savane Perdue, I was a new graduate from Earth University in Costa Rica. I wanted to return home to Haiti, to use my agronomy degree to help develop the countryside. I didn’t learn about aquaculture in school. I was equipped with only two weeks of training at Caribbean Harvest our partner organization in Haiti. I had real on-the job training! The first few weeks in Savane Perdue were not an easy task. The farm is located at the end of a 5 mile rocky road.  People living in the area are missing almost all the basics like electricity and potable water. I was in a new situation, and I hesitated about staying. Then, I realized how great the impact of the VFHI fish farm could be for job creation, economic development, and food security. I reasoned with myself and decided to make the commitment to adapt to this new life and make it work.

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