Haiti
Our Solutions
Our work in Cayes Jacmel & Fond Parisien makes transformational change across these key areas:
Safe Water
We build rainwater harvesting systems.
Hygiene
We build and install handwashing stations and educate communities on basic hygiene practices and soap making.
Menstrual Health
We educate schoolgirls about menstrual management, hygiene, breaking stigma, building sisterhood and reusable pad-making.
Historical Context
In every country Surge works, we pay close attention to the remnants of the colonial past and take steps to ensure that our work is an active part of decolonization.
This breathtaking mountainous land is known for its culture, art, festivals, cuisine, landscapes and more. After freeing themselves from French control and slavery in the early 19th century, Haiti became the world’s first black-led republic. However, after independence, Haiti was crippled by reparations to France; decades of meddling by the United States; and generations of failed assistance programs, some of which created more problems than they solved. Haiti has survived through economic instability, natural disasters, dictatorships, insecurity, a foreign occupation, and other struggles.
Despite a history of oppressive forces that led it to being one of the poorest countries in the Americas, its people work towards positive change.
The Issue Addressed
In a country of 11.7 million, over 4 million people lack safe water and over 6 million people lack access to proper sanitation. Our work is focused in two areas: the rural communities of Cayes Jacmel and the mountainous villages of Pays Pourri and Marozo just south of Fond Parisien.
In both communities, the main source of income is agriculture; however, climate change continues to put livelihoods at risk. Most families have to walk long distances on rugged, hilly terrain to collect water from a shared, often contaminated water source. Many families lack facilities to practice adequate sanitation and hygiene, perpetuating the spread of waterborne illnesses.
We work hand in hand with community-based organizations and local leaders to help deliver their solutions to secure safe water.
Our Work
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Stories that Connect Us
Every story of change inspires us. It reminds us that no matter our background, we’re all connected by a shared humanity – we’re mothers, fathers, daughters & sons – and we all need access to life’s basic needs to survive and thrive. Each person and community featured has owned their transformation and they continue to motivate us to work hand in hand with them to help create a happier world!