This is the fourth in a series of articles about our outreach initiatives. David Bullock of Christ's Church was one of the first board members of the Bishop Thorp Business and Technology Institute of Les Cayes, Haiti, the recipient this year of a $5000 grant from Christ's Church

The Haiti Initiative

by David Bullock
 

Generating Jobs Amidst Poverty

"Business education is the key to the salvation of Haiti," MacDonald Jean, the senior advisor to Bishop Zache Duracin, told the first Christ's Church delegation to Haiti in Spring 2002.

The concept and development of what is now the Bishop Thorp Business and Technology Institute (BTI) of Les Cayes, Haiti, is one of the main goals Bishop Duracin set when he became Bishop. He and his leadership team believe that business leaders and job creation will pull Haiti from its rank as the poorest country in the western hemisphere. BTI is intended to be a major source of business managers who will help generate Haitian jobs and help Haiti to build greater economic strength.

Due to open in the Spring, the BTI will offer post-high school business and technology training for Haitians, as well as continuing education for those in business in Les Cayes. The initial full-time curriculum will focus on computer training but also general management to meet local business needs, including support for a new port complex being built near Les Cayes. The students will be expected to contribute a significant portion of their tuition.

Classes will be held in buildings now under construction and these will be supplemented by internships and mentor connections hopefully with numerous American business interests. There is also the potential that BTI will be a catalyst in the development of local businesses that will create additional internship opportunities.

Selection of a full time director of BTI is under way. Other faculty will include three full time teachers supplemented with visiting lecturers and part-time staff from abroad. The main language used at the school will be English. Since Haitians mainly speak Creole or French, a portion of the first year curriculum will be directed at helping students master English.

Christ's Church along with parishes in Kansas City, St Louis, Indiana, and New York City and the Episcopal Relief and Development Agency of the Episcopal Church (ERD) are providing the major support for the new school. New buildings are now under construction on land acquired along the waterfront and adjacent to the old port of Les Cayes. The curriculum has been established, and the first Board Meetings held. What is needed now are additional sources of financial and moral support, including scholarships for students (approximately $750 per year), part time and visiting faculty, mentors for students, and sponsors of business internships.

Eleven parishioners from Christ's Church, including the rector, have traveled to Haiti and have participated in multiple endeavors in the country. This year we expect our church will again send a delegation to the Haiti Connection Conference set for November 10 to 13, 2004, in Port-au Prince. This conference is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Haiti and to become engaged in the education, development, and health related activities of the Episcopal Church's volunteer efforts in Haiti. Prior to the convention visitors can visit BTI and other programs in the area of Les Cayes that the Episcopal Church sponsors.

Thanks to all who support these missions for the Haitian people.