Growing Knowledge & Building Partnerships

Personal message from Benito Jasmin, FTF Coordinator in Haiti: “One candle doesn’t lose anything by lighting another candle” The night of January 12th to 13th is for me the longest night. Even if you see it, you can’t believe it, you can’t explain, you can’t imagine, you can’t feel. This earthquake took away our: experience (skilled people), structure (already poor and not enough), energy (youth, teenager), future, courage, health, well being, respect and our culture, and hope. Haitians now need to dream about a better tomorrow: jobs; health insurance; social, economical and environmental education; better infrastructure. Haitians have to believe in themselves, be creative, dynamic and courageous. If not, we will have a new era of exodus.The speech, dialogue, and words now need to be positive in Haiti. The action, the plan, the strategy must be oriented, defined, dynamic and progressive. Haiti needs to stand on what it stands for. Thanks to everyone who trusted and accepted us to ma

Have you ever wondered how a Farmer to Farmer trip might change your life or the lives of those you assist? The Daily Iberian of Louisiana recently published an article highlighting the dedication of a Partners of the Americas volunteer, Thomas Hymel, to help families in El Salvador. What began as a Farmer to Farmer trip to provide assistance in tilapia culture and aquaculture netting in 2003 has, 7 years later, blossomed into a scholarship program which has brought literacy, technical skills, and education required to escape the cycle of poverty to communities in El Salvador. Thomas' efforts are a great example of how Partners' volunteers Connect, Serve, and Change Lives . Click here for the full story. Above: Partners' volunteer Thomas Hymel displays aquaculture netting with his count erparts from El Salvador.

This is an informal update following our past 'report from the field' you will see below. Our field staff passed along some news and stories to us that we thought our network of volunteers, collaborators, donors, and friends would like to hear. As you probably know, the emergency situation in Haiti has transitioned into a recovery and healing process. Our staff are still supplying medicines (antibiotics, creams, etc.) to the two hospitals in the North of Haiti. The cost of the medicines are out of reach for most Haitians - some creams prescribed can cost US$100 per tube. They have also been arranging a place to stay, as well as care from a nurse, for people who have been discharged from the hospital but who would need to return for followup care ever 2 days. With no family or home nearby, and the cost of transportation, a place to stay is a life saver for these patients, and the nurse's care reduces their need to travel to the hospital so frequently. Due to several