On October 5, Roman Kirn, Slovenian Ambassador to the US and Arthur Keys, President and CEO of International Relief and Development (IRD), will proceed to the opening (Phase I) of the new educational centers for the youth of Carrefour.

This first phase consisted for the IRD and the Slovenian Global Action (SLOGA), to assemble 24 prefabricated structures, provided by Slovenian company TIMRO. Nearly 300 boys and girls in Carrefour will initially use the new facilities to play and receive basic necessities.

In the Phase II of the project, which should be completed by the end of 2011, local residents will be recruited and trained to run the educational facilities and youth centers. These local managers will then work with government and development partners to plan and implement appropriate educational activities. In addition to what is included in the regular Haitian curriculum, there will be particular focus on entrepreneurship and civic engagement. All parties involved in the project view this as a potential model of the kind of education that will help drive social and economic development.

The goal is to give young people an opportunity to expand their knowledge and acquire the skills and motivation needed to help develop their own communities. This type of community-led development will lead to sustainable, long-term growth for Carrefour according to the initiators of the project.

This project is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in partnership with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Haitian government. IRD, SLOGA, and the government of Slovenia are already discussing next steps to find the best way to continue supporting the reconstruction and the development of Haiti.

HL/ HaitiLibre