One of our primary long term goals here in Haiti is to
develop a transition plan for the girls to be able to provide for themselves
after they finish with school and the orphanage care. Many of the typical possibilities
(shopkeeper, seamstress, hairdresser) seem like pretty saturated markets. We
have however run across a really great organization here called the apparent
project (http://apparentproject.org/)
run by two terrifically creative people who are exploring all kinds of trades
that could possibly employ Haitians and provide them with a decent living. They
have scaled up the “rolled bead jewelry” production to the point where dozens
of artisans are providing for their families from the money they earn making
necklaces.
We were so impressed we took advantage of their training
program and had an artisan teach our girls to both roll the beads and design
the jewelry. This has turned out to be an amazing step forward at the
orphanage. As an organization, HUG decided the majority of funds generated
would go to support the orphanage, but that the girls would also directly share
in the financial rewards. They are now paid piecemeal for their jewelry
production. As far as we know, this is the first time the girls have had money
of their own, and a chance to work harder to earn more. It has been really
rewarding to see how the girls have set goals and then worked to achieve them.
This has not come without certain growing pains. Our oldest girl decided she
wanted to buy a used TV, and she worked VERY hard producing a lot of product
and was able to achieve her goal. What she didn’t yet know was just because she
bought the TV with her own money, that doesn’t mean she can use it however she
wants. The TV is still subject to house rules like everything else. The girls
also want to buy a cell phone which in and of itself is not a bad thing, but it
too will come with rules and restrictions to prevent misuse or distraction from
other responsibilities.
This is only a small part of what has been made since July 5
Even with the “growing pains” there are so many good lessons
here about work, business accounting, and responsibility that this has been a
great thing for the girls. I went with three girls to buy 2 cans of clear
varnish which is used to seal and finish the rolled beads. As we walked to the
store, I walked the girls through how much it would cost, how much money we had
and what we should expect our change to be giving the currency we had. A great
life lesson about commerce – always know how much change you should get and
make sure it is correct. Another side benefit has been that the house runs
better with less acting out now that several girls stay well occupied with
jewelry making. Sometimes teens/pre-teens just need something interesting to do
on summer vacation.
