75 girls between 14 and 24 years, victims of early pregnancies for some, or placed in domestic service for others, have benefited from a project to strengthen their social and economic rights.

This project funded in part ($USD29.650) by the Section of Human Rights (SDH) of the MINUSTAH [UN High Commissioner for Human Rights] represents 80%, the rest is supported by the local partner in charge of the execution, the association Solidarité Jeunesse Enfance (JES).

Aissetou Sanogo, Regional Coordinator of the SDH in Jacmel explained that this project helps to provide assistance to women victims "of early pregnancies, teenage girls out of school or not attending school, girls in domestic [...]" and give them "easier access to education, employment or income generating activity and a decent life". Through the training they receive, these girls will easily find work in hotels, an area in need of skilled labor.

These young girls were selected according to criteria defined by the community, receive training from 4 teachers of JES which educates them, in premises built for this purpose: in cooking, baking, catering and installation of mini-companies. In addition to these courses, they also receive training on child rights. The JES, also wishes to establish a structure of microcredit to help girls to build their own projects.

According to Jean-Paul Chancy, the head of JES, "discussions are ongoing with the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFP) for the recognition of diplomas that these girls will receive at the end of that course." At the end of training, SDH which is involved in the process from the beginning to the end, plans to help some apprentices on the job market by letters of recommendation and internship offers.

As for Janvier Pierre Feguito, the mayor of Cayes-Jacmel, he began to dream of a hotel school in his town to promote tourism in the Department of the Southeast. This is why he welcomes this initiative and encourages beneficiaries to make a proper use of their training.

S/ HaitiLibre