Something remarkable is taking shape at CODEP.
How Did This Happen?
Sometimes it just hits you. In the day-to-day frustrations of heat, difficult transportation, rising food costs, and more, I can find myself feeling almost stunned at all that is happening around me.
Let me explain. For my last visit to Haiti, I stayed most of the time at the CODEP guest house up the mountain. From dawn to dusk my life was all things CODEP. I waved at workers going to the forests, talked with folks who were building gardens around the compound, met with animators, counselled the interns, heard the noise from the school yard and constant moto roars on the Jacmel road. In all the busy-ness, I would suddenly see the larger picture of energy and hope.
Chickens: First, there is the new chicken business. A new business has begun to raise chickens and will sell them in the Wednesday market in TomGateau and on Saturday in Carrefour. The need is great and sales will be good.
Store: Ever since Edvy Durandice’s death, the store he ran has gone belly-up. To shop, people now travel down the mountain to Leogane. That trip is expensive and at times not just inconvenient but dangerous. CODEP folks have decided to open a store to sell CODEP items such as black beans, chickens, vegetables in season, and peanut butter. Those plans are taking shape and the hope is that there might be some funding to help stock more items.
New Zones: As we graduate young people from the Reforestation Mentorship Program, some are interested in creating new zones. While this takes money, we have a leadership cadre ready to do the work of recruiting and organizing.
CODEP Academy: Get this! We are starting a two-week seminar to teach the CODEP Way to people who want to start zones near Jacmel and join CODEP! They will meet four days each week, staying over in the guest house. Our reputation is so strong they came to us and asked for the help to learn, gain skills, and get started.
Blossoming Leader: Carlos used to be a quiet, backseat kind of guy. He was an Animator, a steady and hardworking man. He’s now the chair of the Animators and he is stepping into that role with deftness and wisdom. As you can imagine, the dynamics of the group are complex and shifting, especially as younger members are assuming responsibilities from some of the elders. Carlos is unflappable and keeps the group productive and strong.
You can understand why I slap myself up the side of my head. Wow.
Michael Anello
Executive Director