Haiti: Volunteer Cooperation Program
In the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake, WUSC is committed to rebuilding Haiti’s education, economic development and governance sectors. As of April 1st 2010, WUSC renewed its Volunteer Cooperation Program (VCP), a partnership with CECI, CESO and Paul-Gérin Lajoie Foundation. Working with its Haitian and Canadian partners, the program will focus on reinforcing institutional capacities of Haitian organizations so they offer quality services to meet the needs of men, women and children, while ensuring that women participate in all program activities. Understanding the context Haiti is often considered to be the poorest country in North America: Haiti is ranked 149th of 182 countries by the Human development index (2007); its GNI is approximately $660 US per person, and 38% of Haitians are illiterate. Haitians lived through a long period of instability and violence after the fall of the dictatorship imposed upon the country by the Duvalier clan. Presidential elections were held in 2006 and the situation showed signs of improvement until January 12, 2010 when a massive earthquake struck the island.At the request of the government of Haiti, WUSC has been working to help Haitians rebuild their country. Since 2005, the Volunteer Cooperation Program has given Canadian volunteers the unique opportunity to help build local capacity in basic education, professional and technical training, public administration, civil society organizations and across the private sector. PCV will continue to contribute human resources and technical expertise to strengthen Haitian partners in the context of current rebuilding efforts in Haiti. Becoming a volunteer WUSC and its partners are looking for volunteers with the expertise and skills needed to help rebuild and improve access to education and skills training while promoting good governance in the country. The Volunteer Cooperation Program offers accommodations, medical insurance, adequate and secure working conditions. Volunteer assignments will be posted on the websites of all four partner organizations as they become available. Members of the Haitian diaspora are particularly encouraged to get involved by volunteering with any of the program’s organizations. Click here for current volunteer opportunities. Partners WUSC works with three other Canadian NGOs to implement this program: CECI - provides assistance to civil society organizations such as women's associations and unions CESO - strengthens the private sector and public administration
The program is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency CIDA under the Americas Branch. |
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