Hands-For-Haiti.org

The first adult education center offered to teach sewing and typing.  Because there is no electricity, old-fashioned treadle sewing machines and manual typewriters were collected in the United States and shipped to Haiti for use in the school. Supporters of Hand and Hand donated fabric and thread for use in the sewing classroom. The school was set up in a small, old, 2-room church building leased from the church. And local instructors in sewing, tailoring and typing were hired to provide vocational training to adult residents of Gwo Sab. A committee of local citizens came together to oversee the adult education center and has been successful in implementing the program and providing the planned services.

Community Outreach Programs

The school was operating very successfully the first year. Even though the building size limited the student capacity, there was a waiting list right away. The classes could only be offered on a part time basis for lack of space. The tailor and seamstress shared the machines and classroom on alternating days. The first year 16 women and 10 men have completed beginning sewing classes. Men learn tailoring and the women sewing. 9 men and women have participated in the typing classes.

The students were able to make necessary school uniforms at a much-reduced cost to the community as well as provide for a source of income for themselves.

A lot of the fabric donated was upholstery material and they made table covers, curtains, and other household items, which were sold to provide for some of the cost of operations.

The typing students have been hired at nearby Development Company and in the city of Jean Rabel government office. This little learning center gave them something they never had before. It gave them opportunity, which gave them pride and hope. It was amazing to see the effect of a little hope in the future and how it can change a community.

A generous donor gave a one-time contribution that enabled the construction of a new building. Local farming families in the center of Gwo Sab donated approximately 10 acres of land for the building site. Funding was only enough for a building consisting of 6 classrooms. The larger classrooms would accommodate more adult students on a full time basis. A three-phase plan was designed for a total of 18 classrooms. The first building was completed in November of 2006. More teachers were hired including a Director. 100 eager and enthusiastic adults signed up and attended classes in typing and sewing this past year.

Phase two of the project is 6 more classrooms expanding the vocational school to include a mechanics shop, wood shop and an agriculture/horticulture lab.

Phase three is 6 more classrooms that would accommodate a high school. Being able to attend high school locally will make a huge impact on the goal of empowering the future generation. Opportunities through education would be available to so many more people. The basic requirements, and minimum basic skills required to be able to attend the higher education programs available in Port au Prince will be taught. The school will be registered with the Haiti Department of Education and meet the requirements such as hiring certified teachers. Surprisingly, since word of the project has spread, educated, certified, and qualified people have come forward looking for jobs. Filling another need of providing employment for the few people who are qualified. Portable, battery operated laptop computers have been obtained at a good price and will be used to introduce the Haitians who have learned to type to the world of technology.

We know this program is impacting, empowering and improving the economic situation of the entire region surrounding Gwo Sab. We believe by empowering the people here with new skills, you give a renewed hope in the future and that promotes economical growth, as the people here will begin to develop their own community serving businesses, which will help them become more independent. We have seen a huge interest from the adults desiring to learn. They are so anxious to improve their skills and opportunities. Continuing this project is something this community is counting on. Something giving them hope for the future.