CAP HAITIEN, HAITI – As part of a three-year project funded by the Big Lottery Fund, “Champions for Change: Mitigating the Impact of HIV/AIDS in Haiti,’” Aid to Artisans (ATA) launched craft training workshops for persons living with HIV (PLHIVs) in the Northern communities of Limbe, Limonade, Milot, Trou du Nord, Plaisance, Port Margot, and Quartier Morin. In partnership with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance (IHAA) UK and the Haitian organization Promoteurs d’Objectif Zerosida (POZ), the project aims to re-integrate PLHIVs into the mainstream of social and economic life through the production of handmade bamboo jewelry for the tourism market. Aid to Artisans Haiti, an organization recognized for their work with artisans worldwide, has been engaged to conduct the craft training workshop with their circle of renowned international designers and marketing experts.
On September 23rd, representatives of the organizations implementing the bamboo training workshop gathered in the beautiful local facilities of POZ/APIAVIH in Cap Haitien. In attendance were Marie Mercy Zevallos, Director of POZ; Chantal Eugene, Director of POZ – Cap Haitien; Leonne Augustin President of the local organization APIAVIH; Ruth Ayarza, Regional Manager of IHAA; Monika Steinberger, Director of Programs at Creative Learning – Aid to Artisans; and local staff members.
The meeting was dedicated to officially launch the project, to introduce the team to each other and to discuss the agenda and time plan. The team inspected the facilities, its class rooms and outdoor work space where the training will take place. The dates for the first workshop were set from October 26 to November 27, 2013, held by bamboo artist Vonley Noel Greaves from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and international design and tourism specialist Lyn Nelson. The first project meeting for all implementing partners was held on October 15.
For more information about our Haiti project, please contact our Director of Program Management and Development, Monika Steinberger: monikas@creativelearning.org. To follow project progress and updates, like our Aid to Artisans Haiti Facebook page.
 |
 |
