Rich Gosser

The electrical system at the APF Center in Fondwa is a patchwork of three separate solar energy systems and a gas-guzzling generator. On good days it works pretty well and the solar charged batteries provide enough electricity to charge cell phones, run the satellite modem that gives us access to the internet, and power our laptop computers. In the evenings, providing there's gas, we enjoy illumination in addition to the technology "perks" between the hours of 6 and 9. After 9 pm it's "lights out"! Since the sun rises here this time of year around 6 am, that's when our day begins.

The last two days both the electrical system and the satellite internet service have been "fussy". I've also had two very full days of meetings and activities! Both have conspired to prevent my posting much to this web log!

I've been spending much of my time walking to places - well, it's mountainous Fondwa so I've spent much of my time CLIMBING to places! While walking I've enjoyed the almost constant companionship of two young men - Inel and Gito - both of whom are APF "animators", men who work with the groups of peasants providing technical support, information, and encouragement.

Inel can be quite the character! He's one of the directors of the radio station (Radyo Zetwal) and a member of one of the two APF "youth groups". Today the US ambassador (Janet Sanderson) stopped by Tomb Gato, one of the "habitations" or neighborhoods in Fondwa to visit the "izin kafe" (coffee factory) where "Haitian Bleu" coffee is processed. Inel was there with his tape recorder looking just like any reporter from the New York Times or Washington Post!

Gito is both personable and smart. His education ended after the 8th. grade because his family didn't have the money to pay for him to complete secondary school. He hopes for something better for his son who is enrolled in the St. Antoine preschool. He also hopes someday to build a little house for his family. A two room house with tin roof and maybe a "gallery" (porch) would cost about $2500 or $3000. Today he told me "I'm 30 years old. I have three dreams: to have a real wedding, to complete my education, and to build a house for my family. I'm 30 years old and I haven't been able earn enough money to realize any of them. Gito's story is one repeated hundreds of times over. It's not lack of industry or ability that keeps him from realizing his dreams. It's lack of opportunity.

The "fussy" electrical system and internet connection are just annoyances for me. The lack of opportunity for Gito is a REAL problem.

rich • Jan-Feb 2007 1 comment