Roots of Development

Community members and community-based groups are always the first and last responders in times of humanitarian crisis. External solidarity in these moments should promote unity and social cohesion. It is crucial to link humanitarian response to development aid and peacebuilding that not only responds to the crisis, but does so with a view on the long-term strengthening of community systems, and not just a return to the status quo in the recovery process. This must always be led by the community, with support that is based in solidarity.

The Critical Situation on La Gonave: An Urgent Call for Solidarity Due to escalating gang violence in Côte des Arcadins, numerous families from Arcahaie (Akayè), an area on Haiti’s western coast, have fled to the island of La Gonâve seeking a safe haven. Many of these people, including women and children, are currently without adequate shelter, food, or water. Over the past five days, 3 to 4 boats filled with people have arrived daily, putting immense pressure on local communities. When the first boats arrived, communities on La Gonâve welcomed them with water, coffee, bread, and temporary shelter. Now, according to Mayor Ernso Louissaint of Anse à Galets, the number has risen to over 7,000, with more boats arriving all over the island every day.  Children, pregnant women, and elders are currently sleeping under the open sky without shelter, food, or water. This dire situation demands urgent intervention. Mayor Louissaint has already led three emergency meetings with the police, Civil Protection, SEMANAH (Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti), NGOs, and community-based organizations. Rasin is supporting local authorities as they assess the needs of those seeking safety and put together a plan to address them. Rasin Devlopman stands in solidarity with the people of La Gonâve, Mayor Louissaint, and those seeking refuge. Our strength lies in unity, and we believe in the power of konbit–Haitian-led mutual solidarity and collective action. Community members and community-based groups are always the first responders to crises; we must ensure that actions to address this crisis do not undermine or compromise the natural solidarity of the community or create long-term dependency on foreign resources.  We will continue sharing regular updates as the situation progresses. If you wish to support the actions we are taking in conjunction with other groups and local authorities, you can do so at https://lnkd.in/eVZnj7C2. Sincerely, Louino Robillard Program Director, Rasin Devlopman

The 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson. Read how their institutions hypothesis relates to our work in Haiti at https://lnkd.in/ecV5sqic

Happy Birthday to our partner Rasin Devlopman! Another incredible year of community-led development on La Gonave has brought: More Women's Empowerment: - Graduates mastering tiling & plumbing through Yon Fanm, Yon Metye - 330+ women strengthened through Fanm Djanm workshops - New cohorts learning motorcycle skills in Fanm k ap Kondwi - Growing food security with Fanm k ap Plante gardens Infrastructure Progress: - First blocks laid for new health center - Jones Lagrandeur Library construction advancing - Solar street lights installation - Seed distribution reaching 5 communities - Starlink satellite bringing internet access to the island Local Leadership Growth: - New Volontè pou Chanjman trained & leading projects - Pase Mayèt program expanding knowledge-sharing - Mutual solidarity groups growing from $100 to $13,000+ in community savings Community Connections: - REYAJI dialogues bringing voices together - Road projects linking communities - Community savings groups strengthened through Kore Solidarite Here's to celebrating their work that continuously proves the power of community-led development!

Congratulations to Gwoup Konbit Co-Founder and Rasin Devlopman Program Director, Louino Robillard, on receiving the Grand Prix REZEV NASYONAL on October 20th! The award, presented as part of the VOIX et CALEUR d'Haïti (VCH) initiative, recognizes those demonstrating commitment to creating lasting positive impact in Haitian society. Through his founding work with Gwoup Konbit and leadership at Roots, he continues to demonstrate the power of community-driven change and innovation. He joins an inspiring group of recipients (five individuals and five organizations) recognized for their transformative work across Haiti.

Leaders de Demain has officially launched the 6th edition of the The Challengers contest. The competition challenges 12 youth to strengthen leadership, personal and collective development, while promoting community engagement. Partner: Leaders de Demain with Gwoup Konbit Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti Project: The Challengers is an annual competition hosted by Leaders de Demain, one of the founding members of Gwoup Konbit. 12 young people are selected to undergo workshops and challenges in order to foster leadership, personal and collective development, and community engagement.

Rasin Devlopman’s Volontè pou Chanjman began a new workshop segment on “Social Business” and held the first two sessions of it last week It brought together VPC members from around La Gonave, and the participants spent time doing group work and strengthening team work. Partner: Rasin Devlopman Location: Island of La Gonave, Haiti Project: The Volontè pou Chanjman (or VPC, Agents of Change in English), are a group of dedicated community members that represent different communal sections of La Gonave, Haiti. The VPC undergo extensive training, and at the end of each training, work together to plan and implement projects in their area. They also replicate the trainings for members of their communities through the "Pase Mayet" program. After three years, in 2023, Rasin graduated members of the original cohort from the program and are now starting training with the new cohort!

Rasin Devlopman’s Volontè Pou Chanjman, held 9 Pase Mayèt workshops this quarter, replicating training they received Rasin for other members of their communities! Partner: Rasin Devlopman Location: Island of La Gonave, Haiti Project: The Volontè pou Chanjman (or VPC, Agents of Change in English), are a group of dedicated community members that represent different communal sections of La Gonave, Haiti. The VPC undergo extensive training, and at the end of each training, work together to plan and implement projects in their area. They also replicate the trainings for members of their communities through the "Pase Mayet" program. After three years, in 2023, Rasin graduated members of the original cohort from the program and are now starting training with the new cohort!

Leaders De Demain, a founding member of Gwoup Konbit, through its initiative “Fanm Lidè”, held two days of training on sexual and reproductive health led by l'Association des Femmes-sages d'Haïti. Partner: Leaders De Demain with Gwoup Konbit Location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti Project:"Fanm Lidè," or "Women Leaders" is an initiative aiming to strengthen the skills and capacities of 30 young women from different municipalities in the district of Port-au-Prince. The women receive training and are engaged in interactive activities. Leaders De Demain's mission is: “The involvement of young Haitians in the development of their community."

MCLD was honored to receive the Commitment to Community Award at Roots of Development's 2024 Annual DC Event earlier this month. Roots of Development is a dedicated member of our global Movement. Roots’ approach empowers local leadership and promotes local ownership. We are grateful for both our partnership and their recognition of MCLD's work. Thank you, Roots team! Chad W Bissonnette | Charlie Estes | Gunjan Veda | John Coonrod