For almost 30 years, La Gonâve Haiti Partners has worked with communities on the Haitian island of Gonâve to improve access to healthcare, education, economic opportunity, sanitation and clean water.
The partnership is a mutual mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti and various US churches with ten local communities. Each village contains a church and primary school that serve as community centers for the surrounding rural area.
Together, Haitian and American partners share their hopes for the future, then craft a vision for how to realize them. This model of development is challenging and messy at times, but builds a sense of trust and mutuality. By listening to and valuing the insights of each other, the partners become a community where the dignity of all is recognized.
The Priest-in-Charge administers partnership funds to employ Gonâvians. Jobs represent many industries including healthcare, education, farming/agriculture, construction and small businesses. Locally-sourced goods and materials are used whenever possible.
The partnership’s work is guided by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and reconciling people to one another and to God. With a shared dependence on God, Haitian and American partners work together to create a world free of suffering, despair, and isolation and to offer opportunities to flourish on Gonâve.