We're at the start of day 6 in Haiti and just moved from Port-au-Prince (PauP) to Les Cayes last night. While in PauP we stayed at a great hostel-style place where most of the guests camp in tents out back because it's cooler (don't worry, it's safe with 24-hour security). Nearby, in one of the tent cities erected on a field, locals go about their daily lives... cooking and even playing on what little space they have left. However, the medical needs are still great and work is extremely tough to come by- I've heard unemployment figures quoted as high as 80%.
For our project, we've made contact with many working in the area, large NGOs to MercyCorps to local businessmen, from UN-related cluster response groups to individuals who have come to just plug in however they can. Regardless of what form they come in, our contacts-to-date have focused on projects related to the following three areas:
- efficient stove and alternative cooking fuel
- environmental management
- improving agricultural livelihoods
There's a lot of interest in our project if a suitable pilot or activity can be added to their ongoing efforts... now we just need to talk to our current local partners in Les Cayes to see what best suits our capabilities.
Yesterday, we traveled by bus to Les Cayes... the roads still lined with rubble or bridges blocked in some places. We had to cross at least one wash/river and only expect the road to get worse as the rainy season continues. Now, we finally get to reconnect with our friends later this morning. More soon!
