Clean Water and Literacy Program

Tackling several of the most pressuring problems in Haiti

We became aware of the dire circumstances in the Haiti, one of the world's most impoverished countries, plagued by ongoing riots and civil war. These tumultuous conditions forced numerous NGOs and supporting organizations to withdraw from the country. In response, we endeavored to find an authentic approach to continue offering opportunities to the Haitian people by launching our very own comprehensive project in the field.

We focused on two of the most pressing issues in Haiti: First and foremost, the scarcity of water poses a critical challenge, and even more so clean water. Most of the population drinks water from dirty rivers and streams containing sickening levels of waste, chemicals and pollutants. Secondly, over 80% of the population in Haiti remains illiterate.

Key Facts & Objectives

During the period of April to September 2022, the WIK project played a significant role in transforming numerous lives in Haiti. With its specific goals in mind, the project focused on four communities spanning three departments within Haiti. Over a thousand individuals were directly or indirectly affected by the project, gaining access to literacy programs and/or clean drinking water. After the first year, the security situation on the ground became too dangerous for our staff, which is why we are currently waiting for a new opportunity to continue our field work.

Main Objectives

Selecting target communities most in need & recruiting qualified volunteers Launching literacy classes in communities Providing materials for literacy training and evaluations Educating on hygienic washing solutions to the local populations through workshops Distribution of water filters & fitting buckets Educating on the proper use of water filters Collecting plastic waste to improve the health of the local environment and waterways

Selecting Target Communities & Recruiting Volunteers

To ensure the effective implementation of the project, careful consideration was given to selecting target communities and recruiting volunteers. Four communities spanning three departments were identified as the primary beneficiaries. To enable literacy programs, six literacy teachers were recruited. Additionally, two supervisors were assigned to oversee the program's operations. Moreover, the project also incorporated an environmental aspect, with 20 social plastic collectors enlisted to promote plastic waste management within the communities. The selection of these target communities and the recruitment of committed volunteers laid a solid foundation for the project's success and its positive impact on the lives of those involved.

Launching Literacy Classes

With the aim of promoting literacy and empowering individuals, the project successfully launched literacy classes in two communities, namely Kafou Badjo and Pilate. Within these communities, three dedicated literacy classes were established, catering to a total of 74 participants. The classes served as a platform for individuals, comprising 22 male and 52 female participants, to enhance their reading and writing skills. Through engaging and interactive teaching methods, the project fostered an inclusive learning environment that encouraged active participation and knowledge acquisition. The launch of these literacy classes marked a first step towards bridging the educational gap and empowering individuals within the communities of Kafou Badjo and Pilate.

Providing Material & Ongoing Training

The literacy training program commenced on January 27 and successfully concluded on July 27, 2022, spanning a period of six months. Throughout this duration, the project diligently provided necessary materials to facilitate effective learning. These materials included essential items such as chalk, boards, pencils, plastic sharpeners, notebooks, and more. Regular evaluations were conducted to monitor the progress of the participants and assess their comprehension and skill development. These evaluations played a crucial role in identifying areas of improvement and tailoring the curriculum to meet the specific needs of the learners. By offering comprehensive support and utilizing appropriate teaching resources, the ongoing literacy training program ensured a holistic and impactful learning experience for all participants.

Training the Population on Clean Washing Solutions

Our training initiative focused on providing clean washing solutions to rural communities, with particular emphasis on three targeted areas: Pagesse, Pèlerin, and Pilate. The program aimed to address the pressing need for improved sanitation practices and hygiene education. Thus far, the training has successfully reached a total of 267 individuals across these communities. Through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, participants are equipped with essential knowledge and skills regarding clean washing techniques. By emphasizing the importance of proper hygiene practices and providing practical solutions, the ongoing training is empowering these rural communities to lead healthier and more hygienic lives.

Distribution of Water Filters & Buckets

As part of our commitment to improving access to clean water in rural communities, we embarked on a distribution campaign of water filters and fitting buckets. A total of 247 individuals, comprising 87 males and 160 females, received these essential tools to enhance their water quality. However, the impact of this initiative extends beyond the direct beneficiaries, as it indirectly benefits 1405 individuals, including 952 children, as well as the local church community. In total, this distribution effort has positively impacted the lives of 1652 people, ensuring they have the means to access safe and clean drinking water. Alongside the distribution, comprehensive training sessions were conducted to educate the population on the correct usage of these filters, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation practices. By combining the provision of water filters and education, we are fostering a sustainable and healthier environment for these rural communities.

Plastic Collection & Environmental Health

The program not only focused on addressing immediate needs but also contributed to improving environmental health while raising awareness about the significance of the environment. With the involvement of 20 dedicated social plastic collectors, the initiative actively promoted plastic waste management within the communities. As a result of their efforts, an impressive 1988 pounds of plastic were collected, which included approximately 41,748 plastic bottles. This remarkable achievement not only helped in cleaning the local surroundings but also created a greater understanding of the detrimental impact of plastic pollution. By highlighting the importance of responsible waste management practices, the program instilled a sense of environmental consciousness among the participants and the wider community, fostering a sustainable and cleaner environment for all.