VERMONT HAITI PROJECT NEWS

August, 2009

HAITIAN PARTNERS MAKE PLEA FOR CLEAN WATER

      What most of the world takes for granted, most of Haiti’s citizens still consider a luxury.  The access to clean water, and a system to deliver it is still severely lacking in the island nation.

     As has been previously reported on this web site, the Vermont Haiti Project is actively involved with a program to purchase water filtration systems for local installation and usage.

     During the summer of 2009, VHP Haitian partner Despagne Felix addressed the issue with members of Vermont’s South Burlington Rotary Club.  Felix touched on the success, to date, of the program, as well as the need for further funding and support.  “My neighborhood has gotten many filters,” said Felix, “and it is a very good thing.  The only other chance for water is from dirty rivers, or buying water in bottles.”

     The response from the Rotarians was positive with the promise for some intial support, with the possibility of finding new ways to help the clean water mission.

     Felix’s visit to Burlington was just one stop during a summer-long visit to New England.  When not making visits to help aid the causes of his community and VHP, Despagne spent time working at a summer camp in Massachusetts.  Additionally, Haitian native Fenel Jean, manager of VHP’s medical facility in Desab, also spent time in Vermont during 2009.  “It was great having Despagne and Fenel here,” voiced VHP co-director Tim Singer.  “Not only is it fun to hang out with our friends and partners, but we were able to accomplish a lot of productive work and planning.”

     For further information or if you, or someone you know is interested in donating or helping out the clean water program, please CONTACT US.