We are proud to welcome Fr. Innocent Rugaragu, SJ to the permanent staff of PICO Rwanda. We congratulate him on completing his degree as Doctor of Philosophy in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. His dissertation is titled,…
In meetings this past month, COFOA leaders learned from the Minister of Public Works and the Chief Engineer that the bridge over Rio Roldan is finally under design. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2017. The bridge…
What does it take to unify a community where young people and families are threatened with violence, extortion and intimidation on a daily basis? For three years, COFOA has gathered faith, community and public leaders around a “Dialogue and Strategy…
Launched in April, OPODNE staff Florcie Tyrell and Marc Aurel just completed a round of leadership training seminars in all 11 communities where OPODNE organizes. In most locations, over 30 leaders participated. Training sessions focused on strengthening community outreach and…
Haitian subsistence farmers struggle to produce crops because of cycles of drought and floods. At the same time, most people don’t have consistent income to buy food for their families. OPODNE leaders in Terrier Rouge are seeking ways to bridge…
In April, OPODNE Director Florcie Tyrell launched spring leadership workshops for leadership teams from 13 communities across the Northeast Department. The first workshop took place in Terrier Rouge, where members are cleaning up the main square, the streets around the…
On May 1, OPODNE staff travelled to Phaeton to hold a leadership workshop and assess what is needed to re-launch the fishing co-op, since the fishing season lasts through June. Florcie and the staff are visiting all the Local Organizing…
COFOA leaders from Saint Teresa Parish hosted a community celebration to mark the commitment by the Mayor, Morena Marvin de Canales, to begin repair of the main road in El Llano. The city’s investment of $140,000 will improve nearly a…
Over the past month, COFOA leaders in San Juan Tepezontes have organized two large events to foster dialogue across generations, provide community education and build community cohesion. One event involved more than 180 students and 150 parents, who attended seminars…
COFOA Director Alberto Velazquez was one of a handful of people chosen by the Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Center of Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM) to share ideas on how to transform present realities and improve institutional structures, helping the Catholic…
