Leaders from Port-au-Prince organizations such as SOPUDEP, MOJUB, Le Phare and OBMP came together after the earthquake in 2010. They started a Micro-Credit program that was inspired by their own hardships in Haiti.
In March 2010, FASA loaned twenty women 2500 gourds ($63.00 US) each to buy products from a wholesaler to sell in the market and the streets. The 2500 gourds would need to be paid back to FASA with interest. This motivates the women to work towards developing their own businesses. In 2013, FASA leaders and members restructured the organization. They encouraged the business owners to depend on each other as much as they can, creating a loop of economic growth and stronger support system.
$11 trillion of the informal market income was made by women
150 women started their own business from 2010-2011 with Rea’s program
$16 trillion/yr made by the informal market
The mobile clinic was established in 2013 by members of Sopu Fanm pou Fanm to provide health care and support very poor women living in various neighbourhoods.
Some of the neighbourhoods are listed below.
Camp Canaan: 200 womenand children
On the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, a camp located at the top of a unpaved hill with limited water access.
Jalouzi: 200,000 People
A poor hillside neighbourhood in Petion-Ville with limited access to water, electricity and sanitation.
Delmas 3: Elderly home
Members of SFpF and youth from SOPUDEP bathe and dress residents as well as supply them with toiletries and other necessities.
Between 2013 and 2014 we held mobile clinics in Camp Canaan, Bobin, Bristou, Jalousie, Berthe, and Petion Ville.
SOPUDEP students are participating in a new initiative supported by Carol Ford (Barrie Ontario Rotary Club Member). 3 SOPUDEP students and 2 female community members were trained in making purses, sandals, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other decorations out of pop tabs.
SOPUDEP’s goals are:
• to market this product, and
• hold fairs, where other handicraft items will be shown, and other entities will be invited to see how the youth are striving with their project.
We invite the public to purchase the purses. The proceeds go toward continuing the students education. See below for information on the students.
Wesly Misère
Wesly is from a 9 person household at Delmas 60. His mother is raising 7 children and 1 niece. The family relies on Wesly’s intelligence and talent for income. Wesly paints and does handicraft. Wesly would like to finish secondary school and further his training at L’Ecole des Arts, in Port-au-Prince
Mackendy Dorvil
Mackendy is from a 7 person household in Port-au-Prince, both parents facing health challenges. Mackendy Dorvil wants to study administrative sciences at the University of Port-au-Prince, and is participating in the handicraft program, to further his dream of going to university.
Nalogue Cantave
Nalogue is from a 4 person household and her mother is from a very poor area. Coming to the capital, she faced great hardship to raise her children. Nalogue has been integrated into SOPUDEP from a young age and is very successful in this program. Nalogue wants to study Management and Business Administration, at Quisqueya University.
SOPUDEP has incorporated a program dedicated to making sanitary napkin kits for young girls. Each kit is sewn together and distributed to young girls throughout Haiti. Every kit includes:
These girls do not go to school during menstruation,as they do not have access to sanitary napkins. This program helps young girls to be able to go to school every day of the month by providing them with reusable sanitary napkins.
