Building Opportunities and Self-Reliance Through Vocational Programs in Haiti
Peace Winds continues to work with APEDESSUD (Association des Pêcheurs de la Deuxième Section de Saint du Sud), a fishing co-operative in southern Haiti, to help the organization strengthen its internal capacity and operations, increase sales, and ultimately, become more self-reliant. Thanks in large part to donations from supporters like you, the group was able to purchase a new fishing boat and other equipment last year. Fishermen had previously been using wooden rowboats, so the new motorboat allows them to travel farther from shore and catch bigger fish.
Peace Winds is also providing skills training for APEDESSUD members. Participants are now implementing new techniques for catching, preparing, and processing fish. These have already helped the group sell a greater variety of fish for popular dishes and preserve its products for longer periods. The group has also cast a wider net in terms of its market; members are developing relationships with restaurants and supermarkets, and they are selling products in neighboring towns as well as locally.
Now, a training program for its members is aimed at helping APEDESSUD improve its internal processes. Sessions focus on topics like accounting and budgeting, decision making, and dividing responsibilities between members. The group is also holding regular meetings to keep track of things like goal setting and sales. By ensuring smoother operations, APEDESSUD will be more self-reliant and able to withstand future hardship.
Peace Winds has implemented similar programs with southern Haiti community groups in the past. From 2022-2023, we partnered with Nouvelle Association Paysanne de Balix (New Farmers Association of Balix or NAPB), a women’s group, to help its members learn to harvest, process, and sell cashews and cashew products. Now, the group is making a steady profit through its sale of cashew nuts, cashew butter, cashew juice, and cashew apple wine at local events and markets.
Similarly, a youth sewing group that Peace Winds worked with in 2023 continues to conduct independent skills and vocational training. Teenagers and young adults are building connections and revitalizing their community by sewing clothes and costumes for churches and local events.
The security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, especially close to the capital in Port-au-Prince. But despite the difficult conditions, we are encouraged by the people who continue to believe in the strength of their communities in order to move forward.
This project is made possible by a grant from the Kuraray Company and by contributions from our many individual donors. Please click here to learn more and donate to our work in Haiti.