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Haiti is the
most impoverished nation in the western hemisphere and is the third
poorest nation in the world. Many people live on less than $1 US per
day and this abject poverty is particularly devastating to the
children. Over 80% of the estimated 8 million people live under the
poverty level.
Malnutrition
has stunted the growth of 50% of Haitian children under the age of 5.
Childhood
mortality is a tragic statistic. 129 out of every 1,000 Haitian
children will die before their 5th birthday as compared to
the United States where this figure is 8 per 1,000 children.
Haiti is the
oldest black independent nation in the western hemisphere. Sadly,
throughout its 201 year history the country has been unable to achieve
a true democracy. Political corruption, coups and violence have kept
the nation under a struggling economy and instability.
Foreign aid
comes slowly, if at all. The current violence and political
instability since the coup of 2004 contribute to this unfortunate
fact. The United Nations peacekeeping mission is focused on restoring
peace and bringing the hope of democracy to the people of Haiti.
It is a
country, rich in culture and known for the wonderfully colorful
painting, metal working and wooden sculpture produced by its artists.
Dance and music also play a significant part in maintaining a heritage
from Africa as well as the aboriginal tribes of the West Indies.
Agriculture is
the primary economic endeavor in Haiti with small exports of sugar,
coffee and cotton. However, the majority of families have small plots
of land used for subsistence farming. Suitable land for agriculture is
very limited as the land has been deforested for fuel and farming
resulting in massive soil erosion. Thus, more and more people pour
into the major cities looking for employment, which is rarely
available. This leads to crowded, deplorable living conditions in
sprawling slums.
The word “Haiti”
is derived from the original “Ayiti” meaning mountains. The Haitian
expression, “Ayiti Cheri”…“ Dear Haiti “… eloquently expresses the
love of country, the determination and hope of the Haitian people. Pwoje
Espwa is proud and humbled to contribute, even in a small way, to the
people of Haiti.
Help us in our struggle to
provide the children of Haiti with basic shelter, nutritious food,
medical care and education.
Haiti is the poorest
country in the western hemisphere and ranks dead last on the world
Water Poverty Index.
Have you ever thought
about making a significant difference in someone else’s life? These
children need a chance.
Hope is ultimately what
we offer these children.
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