Hopeful for Haiti

Despite the devastation following the massive earthquake in Haiti, we continue to hear stories about the hope and resiliency of the Haitian people.

I recently attended a panel discussion at the University of Ottawa called Haiti: Five uOttawa experts, five perspectives on the humanitarian crisis.

The presenters focused on the next steps for Haiti in terms of post-disaster reconstruction. Some of the main messages that resonated with me, and hopefully with some of you, include the need to:

• Involve Haitians in the reconstruction process, and in fact, have them lead the process
• Rebuild local livelihoods by supporting local producers, petty trading, local agriculture, micro-enterprises, etc.
• Show solidarity to help encourage people to feel hopeful because hope in itself can go a long way in helping people to be resilient.

As I am sure you can all agree, it has been amazing to see the outpouring of generosity from Canadians as this disaster has hit home in some way for all of us. As we begin to see fewer media images, let us not forget the people of Haiti. Reconstruction efforts after emergency relief are instrumental in rebuilding lives for the long-term and to continue to provide hope through this extremely difficult time.

CHF is mobilizing to help the reconstruction efforts in Haiti. As you and your school raise funds for Haiti, please consider giving to CHF’s Haiti Emergency Fund to support the reconstruction of livelihoods through our local partner Fonkoze. To learn more please visit www.chf-partners.ca .

Sandra Kiviaho

A Last Snapshot from Guyana

“I am not an electrician or engineer. I am an Amerindian farmer,” recited the young Amerindian female poet. Bumpy speedboat rides, long nocturnal big boat journeys, and interrupted-by-cattle drives took me to breathtaking destinations across Guyana where farming is more than an economic activity.

The infinite rows of thirsty crops give birth to peppers, eggplants, pumpkins, watermelon, cassava and more. Raining season was supposed to come. The drying soil is waiting under the hot hot sun.

The farmers told me how their partnership with CHF has pushed them to smart farming and better crops. Organic fertilizers, healthy seeds, and agricultural training are some of the things that glue this partnership. Yet, there still are some unanswered questions. Will they be able to afford those fertilizers in the future? Will there be another project for that community? Will funding come? Will rain come?

Upon our arrival to Orealla, an Amerindian community accessible only by boat, the grey sky seemed ready to burst. “Don’t worry. It won’t rain, yet,” said a member of CHF’s local partner Orealla/Siparuta Development Organization (OSDO). According to Amerindian tradition, when the sun is above Suriname, which is east of Orealla and across the Courantyne River, it will rain.

For the all-female board members of the OSDO, however, the long dry season is just a bump on the ride. These women are mothers whose resilience maintains their family history alive, farmers who grow crops that the earth tells them to plant, and board members whose unity and work keep a community strong. And even global warming can’t defeat the spirit of these women in their path to sustainable livelihoods.

Chantal Flores, Past Toronto Lead Volunteer and winner of the Jay Telfer Award

Lessons Now Searchable by Topic!

All of CHF’s curriculum-linked lessons are now searchable by topic. Are you looking for resources on communities, basic human needs or food security? How about education or global citizenship? That’s just naming a few!

See all the topics here.