Fall 2009 Newsletter — Contents
15 Years in Haiti … p. 1The Story of MOPDAD … p. 2
Goat Breeding Project … p. 3
New Projects … p. 4
A Personal Story from One of Our Partners
I am hoping that once we start selling our goats, I will be able to use the income to send my two youngest children to school
Merencia Iljalin
AGKPV Goat Breeding Project
My name is Merencia Iljalin. I am 59 years old. I have a common law husband and together we have six children. Although four of the six children go to school, we cannot afford to send the two youngest ones yet. Things have gotten much harder since my husband fell ill. I am both mother and father, and I bear all the financial responsibilities for my household.
We earn our living from working the land. I grow corn, millet, peanuts and peas. I am also a merchant, as I sell the products that I grow at local markets. I also raise goats through Lambi Fund's partnership with AGKPV, a local peasant-led organization.
Although I did not have the opportunity to go to school, I feel so grateful to AGKPV's literacy project which has given me the opportunity to learn how to read and write my own name. I have been a member since 1982 and I have never regretted it. AGKPV's members helped us save our land. A few years ago someone wanted to steal our land and AGKPV stood firmly with us against this injustice.
Today I know that the AGKPV goat project will also help us improve our lives. I am hoping that once we start selling our goats, I will be able to use the income to send my two youngest children to school. As a woman who grew up without schooling, I desperately want my children to have an education. I know that my goats will make my dreams come true!
