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Through our First Fruits program, Valliwide Organic Farm Partners with the Charity, When I Grow Up, to empower children in Haiti.

Lucson Dervilus first heard of the charity, When I Grow Up in October 2008. He immediately went to them and asked if they would consider helping the forgotten region of Haiti in which he grew up in as an orphan. Initially they said no, but if Lucson went back to Haiti and got something started then they would come along side him.

In February 2010, Tod Parkinson and Derek Bergthold visited Haiti after the devastating earthquake that destroyed much of Port Au Prince. Lucson had formed a local committee in the communities of Palma and Jacob. The two communities are rural and isolated from the world. People have to walk 3 miles for clean water and 4 hours to the nearest market. Lucson had the desire to start a school for their children so they could escape the poverty of living in this valley.

In October 2011 a school feeding program was established for the few classes making up the school. They had 3 teachers and 100 students with new uniforms and school bags.

In July 2012, a new school began being built, now with 150 students and 4 teachers.

In September 2012, a micro-grant program was launched with 20 local guardians receiving funding to begin trading and earn income to support their families. This development was done in partnership with When I Grow Up’s micro-grant partner Gnu Foundation.

In October 2012, a local church was planted for the communities of Palma and Jacob. 70 people showed up on the first Sunday service.
In August 2013, the school in Jacob and Palma expands by building another classroom and toilets. Each new classroom built allows 40 students to attend the school.

In September 2014 the school grows again, now with a student population of 256 students, 7 teachers, 3 administrative staff, a Head Teacher, a Pedagogical Director, and a new Supervisor.

In February 2015, 2 motorbikes are provided as transportation for the staff who have to travel from Hinche to Jacob and Palma every day. It takes 4 hours to walk and 1 hour on the motorbike. The school also received a new cattle and goat program to help provide sustaining income.

Find out More about our Partner Charity, When I Grow Up.

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