In 2015, Self-Reliance provided pro-bono consulting services to the small island of Isle a Vache after meeting Professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the director of the EDEM Foundation. Together we began exploring the feasibility of a small wind installation and a photovoltaic solar installation for two locations on the island, which is off the south coast of Haiti. There is scarce infrastructure, with many people having limited access to power, clean water and toilets. We also conducted a feasibility study for installing urine-diverting composting toilets and cisterns to collect water for hand washing.
Can you imagine going to school where there is no water to wash your hands? No toilet? No electricity? For many children on Isle a Vache, this is their world. These children go to school eager to learn, grow and prosper. Lacking access to basic sanitation and electricity, the path to building a successful life is not clear.
At the Ecole du Village, our study shows installing three urine-diverting composting toilets and a hand washing station would improve the health and daily lives of children attending this school by providing basic sanitation.
Nearby, a farm school, for learners of all ages, wants to teach about best practices in agriculture-for example, how does one build a business as a farmer? What is integrated pest management? With access to computers and the internet, students can research and conduct field trials at the farm. They can become entrepreneurs selling their crops and products throughout the region. But with no access to electricity, even a pump for the well to water crops through drip irrigation is a challenge nevermind powering computers to access the wealth of knowledge available for farmers online.
We have the opportunity to build an off-grid solar electric system at this educational farm, which will generate clean electricity to pump water, as well as run a few lights and a few laptop computers, which can strengthen the local economic growth of a sustainable food system.
We have a bit more design work to finalize, then together with the EDEM Foundation, we will begin to raise funds to construct the projects on the island.
Self-Reliance’s staff has a keen interest in doing work that helps make a positive difference in the world. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to apply our expertise in a way that will provide great benefit to a community that truly needs it.