An acute institutional and political crisis and a significant economic recession, which has been developing for 20 years places Haiti in a unique situation in the Americas. It is one of the most deprived countries in the world. It has been estimated that 65% of its population of 8 million live below the poverty line. The socio-political situation is highly unstable and until 1996 there existed very little possibility of collaboration with the government. Education is one the governments priorities but it has always favoured towns, neglecting the needs of country regions.
At the beginning of Inter Aide, our partner’s, programme, the people of Cahos were in great need (95% illiterate, 3 schools educating only 900 children in 1983, infant mortality rate greater than 30% in 1988). Over the years we have worked, with the aim of responding to vital needs in schooling, agriculture and health. From 1995 onwards, as the country’s situation has allowed, we have prepared the communities to take charge of the projects, which has helped bring about notable results, of which they realise the importance.
