Our Ongoing Work in Haiti
Our Ongoing Work in Haiti
Those familiar with Haiti know that its history is rife with years of tragedy, famine, political struggle and disease. Haiti is vulnerable to natural disasters, malnutrition, food shortage and unemployment. But perhaps Haiti’s greatest tragedy is its often unhealthy dependency on international aid, which prevents local stakeholders from taking adequate responsibility for the wellbeing of the region. As a result, Haiti remains among the poorest countries in the world.
For over 35 years, World Relief has partnered with Haitian churches to renew Haiti’s beauty and strength. Through the implementation of the Church Empowerment Zone model, World Relief seeks to support the Haitian Church in such a way that the Church will be a light for all to see. In this present darkness, the Church of Haiti will shine, and God will get the glory.
World Relief’s work with coffee farmers in the South-East Department teaches farmers proper techniques of planting, pruning and harvesting in an effort to increase the production of high quality coffee. World Relief also works to help these farmers diversify their production with regional crops for greater economic and environmental stability. Simultaneously, World Relief works to strengthen local farmer associations to ensure long-term stability of the industry.
Through the Families for Life program, pastors and volunteer couples within churches reinforce the importance of committed and equitable marriages, servant leadership, family dialogue, positive speech and reducing gender-based and generational conflicts. The strengthening of families in Haiti is both a reparative and a preventative effort, which will lead to a more vibrant future for generations to come.
Together, World Relief and Haitian churches are partnering to renew Haiti’s beauty and strength, leveraging these partnerships to rewrite Haiti’s narrative of devastation, helplessness, and dependence by replacing it with one of resilience, potential, and hope.