CURRENT PROGRAMS   THe creation of a rural vocational training center    Following a 10 month research and development process, VHP has creatied a Vocational Training Center in the rural region of Duchity, located seven hours by car from Port au Prince.  The land has been purchased, a three-year program and construction plan has been developed, and the 1st buildings are near completion.  READ MORE HERE   A WATER FILTRATION PROJECT IN AN URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD.   The problems surrounding potable drinking water in Haiti are epidemic. Working alongside Haitian professionals in this field, we purchase water filters for home installation. VIEW A VIDEO OF THE WATER PROJECT READ A 2011 NEWS STORY ABOUT THE WATER FILTER PROJECT   ASSISTING WITH THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT, FUNDING AND SUSTAINABLE FUNDING FOR A CHILDREN'S CENTER / ORPHANAGE / SCHOOL.  The cost of maintaining a school, buying supplies and paying a teacher’s salary is substantial.  Furthermore, students need supplies of their own, school uniforms and, in some cases, tuition and transportation.  Our project partners with a family run center in Port au Prince to insure that these needs are met.  Several times annually, we spend time at the center, delivering supplies, running programs, and in meetings regarding the future growth of the facility and school. VIEW A VIDEO OF THE SCHOOL PROJECT READ A 2011 NEWS STORY ABOUT THE SCHOOL AND CHILDREN’S CENTER   DISCONTINUED PROGRAMS   ASSISTING WITH SUSTAINABILITY OF A RURAL HEALTH CLINIC.  The mountain village of Desab is rich in beauty and wonderful people, yet severely lacking in health care.      Vermont Haiti Project is no longer directly involved with its medical clinic program, as another U.S.-based organization has taken over management of the clinic. VHP will continue to assist in insuring that residents can obtain- and pay for- health care. READ A 2011 NEWS STORY ABOUT THE MEDICAL CLINIC HERE ACTIVITIES   ONGOING HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS.  There is no shortage of needs in Haiti, in particular, the need to be self sustaining and hopeful. We are happy and proud to provide material assistance to our friends in Haiti.  Clothing, electronics and sports equipment- so ubiquitous in the United States- is coveted in Haiti.  However, as the programs above reveal, our primary goal is to establish methods whereby Haitian citizens can provide for themselves.  More than a handout, they need opportunity. HUMAN INTERACTION.  Living, loving and learning in Haiti. Singing.... dancing... drawing a picture.... in conversation.  Spending time with the Haitian people, one gains new values, perspective and satisfaction.  As we have come to learn, the Haiti experience is as important to the visitors as it is to the hosts.

    As we continue to learn more about Haiti, and cultivate our relationship with its people, new ideas and plans will be implemented, while hopes and dreams will become reality.  Additionally, the influx of new participants, from year to year, will add a fresh perspective, undoubtedly resulting in the creation of supplemental programs of worth.