Dear Tek4Kids Supporters, Thank you! We greatly appreciate the prayers and support from all of you. You are helping to make a difference in many lives and in our mission in Haiti. As 2021 is coming to a close, Haiti continues to struggle with multiple, unrelenting crises including on-going earthquakes, hurricanes, assassinations, gangs, and corruption. … Continue reading 2021 Challenges and Victories
Preparing for the Covid-19 Pandemic in Haiti
Along with partners around the globe, Tek4Kids observed World Water Day on March 22nd amidst the growing covid-19 pandemic. The day highlights the importance of fresh, clean water and is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Tek4Kids is keenly aware of the importance of clean water during the current crisis. One … Continue reading Preparing for the Covid-19 Pandemic in Haiti
2018 Haiti Tech Summit
Lindsay Anderson, Gary Boice, Michael Boice, William Philippe and I participated in the 2018 Haiti Tech Summit held June 21-23 at Cote Des Arcadin, Haiti. It was one of the most positive events I have experienced in Haiti! Christine Souffrant Ntim, founder of the Haiti Tech Summit organization, also known as the Global Startup Ecosystem … Continue reading 2018 Haiti Tech Summit
Deforestation in Haiti
Most kitchens in Haiti don’t offer the comfort of a stove, so charcoal is the most commonly used method for cooking. The immense demand for charcoal and exploitation during colonial times lead to extensive deforestation. This is not only having an immense impact on the ecological balance, but also causing soil erosion. The consequences are … Continue reading Deforestation in Haiti
Natural Hazards in Haiti
Due to its geographical location, natural hazards like flooding, earthquakes, and droughts happen occasionally in Haiti. It also lies in a hurricane belt which causes severe storms in the summertime. These storms pose difficult challenges to the population, since huge parts of the agricultural harvest are frequently lost.
Haitian Culture, Art and Music
Haiti is shaped by many different cultures, with African, French, Spanish, and American Indian influences. Haitian paintings are often characterized by vivid colors and the mystic stories, rituals, and gods of the voodoo religion. In addition to canvas paintings, metal art is often produced in Haiti.
The Poverty Cycle in Haiti
The picture below represents some of the fundamental dynamics in the Haitian cycle of poverty. As the image shows, Haiti’s stagnant economy is due to many factors. Taken together, they pose a daunting challenge for the Haitian government.
Haitians’ Daily Struggles and Backgrounds
Haiti’s economy is faced with many problems, such as access to reliable electricity and running water. Many streets in Haiti are not paved or in poor condition due to earthquakes or landslides. It often takes hours to travel short distances and mountain villages are usually completely cut off from traffic. Providing needed electricity for businesses … Continue reading Haitians’ Daily Struggles and Backgrounds
The Economy in Haiti
About 80% of Haitians live off less than two U.S. dollars (USD) per day. The unemployment rate is estimated at 40%. The agricultural sector accounts for the main source of income in Haiti, mainly in the form of small-scale subsistence farming.
Haitian Living Conditions in Numbers
37% of Haitians (and 45% in rural areas) have no access to improved drinking water sources. Due to this lack of clean drinking water, the number of water-borne diseases in Haiti is very high.
Demographics in Haiti
The total population in Haiti is estimated at 9,801,664 people (July 2012), which is slightly more than metropolitan Chicago. More than a third of the Haitian population is 14 years old or younger. If the birth rate stays at a comparable level, providing for the rapidly growing population will impose a huge challenge to Haiti. … Continue reading Demographics in Haiti
Geography of Haiti
Haiti is located in Central America on an island called Hispaniola. The island is divided into the Dominican Republic in the East and Haiti in the West.