VWA AYITI, INCORPORATED MARCH 2007 SANITATION/WATER PURIFICATION/DIGNITY & PRIDE

Bonjou zanmi mwen! We are happy to announce that thanks to your support, Vwa Ayiti’s sanitation, water purification, and health initiatives are working! Together we have stemmed the tide of disease and are helping to save lives in northern Haiti. By the end of January 2007, Vwa Ayiti distributed de-worming medication to over 8,000 residents in the villages of Labadi and Bod Mer Limbè. The repairs on Labadi’s existing water purification system created three additional water distribution points. Inspection of Vwa Ayiti’s work by hydro-geologist Pat McMahon, PhD, confirmed not only had our repairs dramatically improved the
purity of the water, but could also
be considered permanent. Artist
Ali Mènard returned to Labadi to add Vwa Ayiti’s trademark touches to our water distribution sites and public twàlets.

VWA AYITI INAUGURATES ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PUBLIC TWAÌ€LETS

Before Vwa Ayiti’s sanitation initiatives began, the 5,000 residents of Labadi had no access to facilities of any kind. The areas that villagers once used to
defecate in have been cleaned
and became locations for Vwa Ayiti’s public twàlets. On Saturday, March 3, 2007, the twàlets were finally opened. Villagers got their first waft of the dry twàlets’ end by-product, an odorless
powder that makes a nutrient
rich mulch/fertilizer.

Vwa Ayiti is also creating jobs. A sanitation manager is hired to provide education and maintain each twàlet. Applicants were selected from the village’s neediest families. Then Willie offered his “services” to inaugurate the twàlet and history was made...so to speak Under the guidance of the SOL, the Vwa Ayiti team will soon be building twàlets themselves. This reduces the price of construction, creates even more
jobs, and instills a sense of pride and ownership. Vwa Ayiti will continue to rely on SOL’s expertise for consultation, education, and collaboration on future projects. Mèsi anpil to all our friends and mentors at SOL! (www.oursoil.org).
Vwa Ayiti envisions twenty public twàlets strategically placed
throughout Labadi by the close of 2007. If we realize this vision it proves Vwa Ayiti’s network of supporters can directly alleviate the suffering of thousands; restoring health and human dignity to an entire generation! We are thrilled to report there have been
long lines to use our twàlets since their inauguration!

VWA AYITI TO EXPAND HEALTH INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS

Vwa Ayiti Labadi’s Local Executive Board and The International Board met this March to secure new twálet construction sites, schedule sanitation education outreach programs, and expand the distribution of medications. Visiting doctor Tiffany Keenan, MD confirmed the profound impact Vwa Ayiti’s de-worming program has had on the health of the population, especially the young.
In partnerships with Hearts Together For Haiti and Project Healthy Children, Vwa Ayiti will immediately begin securing and facilitating the distribution of folic acid/micronutrients and women’s health education outreach programs in both Labadi and Bod Mer Limbè.

SMALL VICTORIES IN THE LIFE OR DEATH STRUGGLE FOR HAITI

While we celebrate the successes of Vwa Ayiti, our mission is also to bring awareness to the extreme nature of Haiti’s poverty. Our visit to one of the
poorest slums on the planet, Cap- Haïtien’s Chadeau district, was sobering evidence of the battle ahead. Raw sewage literally bubbles up from the ground. Vwa Ayiti’s National Executive Director, Fritz Clerveau Pierre, toured the slum to assess ways Vwa Ayiti can reach out to probably the most destitute
community in the western hemisphere. While Vwa Ayiti remains focused on projects in Labadi and Bod Mer Limbè, we must not lose sight of the battle
ahead. Vwa Ayiti’s founder and
indie-filmmaker James M. Felter’s
new documentary “Ayiti Cheri,” will focus attention on the myriad of issues and events that allow such extreme
poverty to perpetuate. Vwa Ayiti is committed to raising global media
awareness of Haiti’s struggle to survive.

NATIONAL PRIDE AND SELF-DETERMINATION

For years the few cruise lines that still visit Haiti have often told visitors they are on the island of Hispañola. Although Labadi and the Cap-Haïtien
area is dependent on income from these tourists, it has long served as a national insult. In order to send a clear message to everyone visiting the area, Vwa Ayiti sponsored the construction and dedication of a 60-foot flagpole at the dock of Labadi. Now the Haitian flag proudly flies, beaconing to all from above the horizon. Vwa Ayiti’s dedication ceremony included historical
presentations on Labadi and the Haitian flag. As the flag was being raised
you could feel the spirits and hopes of Labadi rising as well. Vwa Ayiti is
providing more than just twàlets and clean water—we are proving that with a little help the Haitian people are able organize and problem-solve as a community. One thing is certain: while Vwa Ayiti represents a wide cross section of Labadi, we have definitely
captured the energy of the youth. They, in turn, are reaching out to their elders and becoming community role models.
Vwa Ayiti’s initiatives are not only improving the health of Labadi, they are celebrations of Haiti’s rich history and culture. The end results are obvious.
All throughout Labadi self-initiated clean-up programs have begun. Our mission is far from over, but we are witnessing the beginnings of self-sufficiency and self-determination.
Behind each success is an untold story of courage that merits our respect and continued support. To overcome the cumulative effects of
poverty, malnutrition, political instability, and affect
change... you have be an extraordinary individual. These extraordinary
individuals are Vwa Ayiti! Our labor force is made up of young and
old, men and women—the majority are
volunteers. Our blessing/motivation is to be working with such amazing spirits to help facilitate community-based change.

“MEN ANPIL CHAY PA LOU”...THE MORE HANDS THE LIGHTER THE LOAD!

We need your help to lighten the load! Vwa Ayiti is still a young NGO but we
are proving that our grassroots, hands-on approach to community development
is working. We are also proving that even small donations can add up and go
a long way in Haiti. We thank all our sponsors and respectfully request your
continued financial support. We hope more of you will join us in our struggle
to help one of our closest and poorest neighbors...Haiti.