GBGM on La Gonave: the End& the BeginningIn 2008, w...

GBGM on La Gonave:                   the End& the BeginningIn 2008, w...:                   the End & the Beginning In 2008, we were living in Haiti, on the island of La Gonave about 35 miles off shore of ...

                  the End & the Beginning

In 2008, we were living in Haiti, on the island of La Gonave about 35 miles off shore of mainland Haiti. For us this was the experience of our lifetime. An island populated by Haitian farmers, fishermen, live-stock owners, artisans, pastors & priests, nearly all extremely poor.

Geography, laws of nature, location, bureaucracy all creating a haven from the militancy of the mainland but additional hardship of life with high percentage of illiteracy, malnutrition and isolation.

Approached by a small group of young adults associated with the churches on the island, and representing a larger group of organized young Christians we were challenged to help them find a way to change their future.

A scholarship program was established, using grants and funding from our UMC Advance Special. Requests were received for tuition grants for vocational training and university enrollment in schools and universities in Port a Prince.

During the period from 2008 to 2016 there were 20 students who received Vocational Training in computer, language, diesel mechanics, chauffeuring and nursing. Nine young adults were enrolled in university to study Civil Engineering, Nursing Science and Computer Science.

January of 2010 massive destruction caused by a 7.0 earthquake interrupted some of the programs and raised expenses for education significantly. Students were not discouraged, only delayed.

A medical student sponsored by a church in S Dakota transferred to a medical program in the Dominican Republic and the other students returned to classes in large tents or other facilities with a significant increase in cost.

Kansas East Conference agreed to add significant funds to our Advance through Round Up for Hunger proceeds previously designated for children on La Gonave.  VoTech students began to graduate and find employment and eventually two young women graduated with Nursing Science degrees and were employed on La Gonave.

As university students graduated, some receiving very high honors, issues of concern were encountered. The universities extended programs with additional expense before issuing license to practice.   The Haitian practice of nepotism, requiring an applicant for employment have a certain background, or be related to or know well someone already working for a business, has kept all the students from La Gonave “un employable” in their field. Several have returned to lesser jobs or have developed small jobs unrelated to their degree and provided very little income.

The graduates have formed a  group that pray daily and trust that God will eventually open the door of opportunity for them to practice their chosen professions.

Most have written plans for beginning a private business that will allow them to support a family and hire Haitian employees at a reasonable living wage. None have the funds to begin a formal business.

The Haiti Advance Special used for tuition produces very little income now and we act only as prayer partners, planning advisers, and provide minimal funding for their small enterprises and some assistance for food and housing.  
We continue to seek groups, churches, or individuals who would sponsor an entrepreneurial project for these highly motivated licensed professional young adults.
 S Dakota fully funds Dr William Hippolyte with a clinic on La Gonave, and send teams on a regualar basis. 
Enickson Villiere, runs a small business out of his home to repair phones, cameras and computers but has not the funds to purchase soft ware or other expensive equipment needed for his business. 
Louis has started a store in Petit Guave and Wesner a Nursing Science graduate has done all the homework to open a small clinic in an isolated area near Petit Guave. Others are working on plans for business while the either teach school for little pay or sell water or make items to sell.