Folks,
The earthquake has dominated the news but it has not dominated everything. Our hardworking reforestation proteges have been nurturing their 300 seedlings, presenting reports on various tree management issues, and trekking the mountains using GPS technology to define and post the perimeters of our forested areas.
In fact, they have been so heads down that they needed a break. Guytaud (the Animator who co-leads the program) and I decided to take them for a day trip to Basin-Bleu. The waterfall and the very COLD water are a special treat. We had a blast and, importantly, the young people had a chance to reconnect as a team.
Here’s something to note. Basin-Bleu is about nine miles from where most of the proteges live. However, not a single one of them had ever been there! They didn’t know about it and when we arrived, you can imagine how delighted they were to see it. Just delighted. I am again reminded about what it means to live in a rural, impoverished world.
At the end of the day, each protege solemnly shook my hand and said thank you for the trip. Days like this one give us all new perspective and energy.
Michael Anello
Executive Director
A well-earned outing with our dedicated reforestation proteges.
THANK YOU!
We are deeply grateful at the outpouring of support we have received to help the victims of the recent earthquake. Because the support was significant, we are choosing to focus on rebuilding efforts in a particular village, Les Anglais. We can concentrate our help more effectively there, and it is off the beaten path in terms of the NGO response. We will be updating you as things take shape.