Our newest venture: the KPP Dairy Cow Project

On: By: potapiman

In their continual search for opportunities that can make a positive impact on the community of Port-a-Piment, members of Konbit Pou Potapiman on the ground identified the absence of cow’s milk in the commune. To test their personal observation, they conducted informal discussions with people in the village of Chariole and its surrounding areas. These discussions confirmed that cow milk is very difficult to find in the commune of Port-a-Piment. And this also stirred up an enthusiasm for realization of the project.

A widespread belief is that milk is a product associated with good health and is considered an essential element in a balanced diet, especially for children. In fact, scientific research has shown that cow’s milk contains valuable nutrients needed to nourish the body, especially: Calcium, Protein, and Potassium.

Implementing this project will impact the community in many ways. People in the area will no longer have to depend primarily on canned or powdered milk which are very expensive, and at times extremely challenging to come by. It will help reduce the challenges of food insecurity, unemployment, and natural disasters. Each family taking part will start with a loaner cow that will provide nourishment for them; it will increase their income through the sale of milk and milk products. And within a period of time, this family will be owners of a cow.

The community of Chariole was chosen to start this project. Chariole is a village that is approximately 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) from the town of Port-a-Piment, with a population of 135 families whose primary livelihood is agriculture. To participate in the project, the beneficiaries must go through a vetting process that takes into account the willingness to raise cattle, to produce and market milk. In addition, they must have the means necessary to succeed (space, pasture, and know-how).

On Sunday, April 12th, 2022, 4 families became the first beneficiaries of the program when 2 cows and 2 heifers were distributed.  Our goal for this year is to increase the membership of the project to at least 10 families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to those who already contributed to this project. Your donations got us rolling. But to attain our goal of impacting at least ten (10) families, we need more help.

Every donation makes a difference. For each one thousand dollars ($1,000) we collect through individual or multiple donations, a family will have access to a cow and cost to cover miscellaneous needs: ropes, milk cans, buckets, veterinarian services, vaccination…. What a difference that will make in their lives!

In the words of Mother Teresa, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” KPP alone cannot change what is happening in our Port-a-Piment. But this project we feel in a few years will create some huge ripples.

We want to thank you in advance for your contribution.
 
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The KPP School Garden program is back.

On: By: potapiman

The KPP School Garden program resumed its activities in Port-a-Piment. The program was disrupted after the devastating earthquake of  August 14th, 2021. At the Ecole Notre Dame du Rosaire, with the assistance of the technical expert, the kids are back to the field.

Gardening is a sure way to give the kids the opportunity to not only grow foods but get them involved with a purpose.  They will learn to communicate better with their peers, work in groups and understand the biodiversity of their environment. They will share responsibility and obtain hands-on lessons about gardening. They will get their hands dirty with the required discipline to reach the goals,

Photos: Jonel Musac
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A Mental Health Seminar for Educators in Port-à-Piment

On: By: potapiman

By: Jean-Marie Florestal

In the days following the August 14th, 2021 Earthquake that hit the Southern peninsula of Haïti,  the population slept outside overnight and spent most of their daytime outdoors, for fear of being crushed inside their homes. When schools reopened a couple of months later, the children started to exhibit anxiety and fear in their classrooms.

Alarmed by the students’ reactions, the teachers contacted the schools’ directors. Because the Department of Education did not have any program to deal with psychological issues in schools in Port-a-Piment, the issue was reported to the President of KPP, Mr. Frantz Jean. He convened a Board of Directors’ meeting and took action to facilitate the training of the faculty at the schools to help the students and themselves. The Psychologists were contracted and provided a training program for the schools’ faculty. All Teachers and Directors of Schools of the commune were invited. Together, there are 17 schools and 167 Teachers and Directors.

. The seminar took place in Port-à-Piment from Monday, January 3rd to Friday, January 7th, 2022. It was planned and funded by Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc. (KPP), while on-the-ground logistics and organization were made possible by KPP Haïti Board Secretary, Mrs. Paule-Edeline J. Orcel, and other local KPP members.  Two Psychologists from Les Cayes, were hired by KPP to train the schools’ faculty. They were Ezéquiel Beaubrun and Berthony Jean Felix.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To allow participation by all, trainees were divided in groups of three to four schools attending two half a day training sessions. The sessions included training in identifying symptoms of stress in adults and students, providing counseling, and activating prevention protocols. Among some of the symptoms of stress discussed were students’ failing performance, absenteeism, violence at home and on school grounds, difficulty in concentrating in class, low self-esteem, etc. Lectures were followed by group sessions in which the faculty was able to demonstrate their understanding of the material learned and to interact with the Psychologists.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sessions were interrupted by breaks for breakfast and lunch provided by KPP. At the end of each day, the Psychologists asked the attendees to complete an assessment form regarding their performance.

The seminar had a resounding success in terms of reception by the participants. According to Mrs. Orcel, though the daily sessions lasted until 5:00 to 6:00 pm, participants remained in attention until the end.  At the end of the seminar, the participants were elated by the knowledge acquired and expressed gratitude to KPP for making this unique opportunity available to them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Great job, KPP, for promoting the importance of Education by providing Psychological Counseling to educators in Port-à-Piment (P-à-P). This seminar will equip these educators with the tools they need to help themselves and students to cope with some problems they are facing. “

Those words were from KPP Board Member, Joseph Anselme, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, after getting feedback from teachers and directors of schools in Port-a-Piment.

The success of this initiative also led to those encouraging words by KPP   Board member, Dr. Marilys Randolph, who played a no less important role in making it happen: “We must say that KPP may be the first organization of our size to bring this important intervention for this community. Let us continue this holistic approach to empower those in need…”   

KPP takes this opportunity to thank its donors especially the Servants of Friends organization, Mrs. Valérie Sinady and her Facebook friends. Their generosity and compassion made a difference in the lives of people who badly need assistance.

 

This report was written by Jean-Marie Florestal, who is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Konbit Pou Potapiman Inc.

 Photos: Jonel Musac      
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