OPODNE gathers clergy and LOC presidents plan to build organization

Nine clergy gathered to hear how OPODNE is growing in the Northeast. Impressed by the activity in 11 villages across the department, clergy leaders wanted to know how this effort might grow to include more people. Later in the week Presidents representing nine LOCs gathered with Faith in Action/PICO Haiti Director, Francois Pierre Louis and OPODNE staff to report on training and plan more economic development activities. These reports included detailed financial reports on use of funds for development cooperatives and micro lending projects in seven local communities. All are operating with a small profit. Leaders also related that many people are asking how they can become members. Leaders agreed on plans to develop two new projects in the coming year in the remote mountain villages of St. Suzanne and Vallieres. When funds are available, Vallieres will begin an agricultural cooperative growing chayote and possibly cocoa. In St. Suzanne, leaders are negotiating with the local Catholic parish to invest in a water purification and bottling project that is on hold because of lack of funds. Stay tuned for how you can support these efforts.