2007 Finalist Projects

SCHOOL FOR SUCCESS

Ecole Paradis des Indiens - HAITI

The Paradis des Indiens project began as a one-room school in the small fishing village of Les Abricots. Canadian expatriate Michaelle de Verteuil set up the school especially for children whose families couldn't afford uniforms and shoes - without which they were unable to attend Haiti's ordinary schools.

More than 30 years later and Paradis des Indiens has expanded into a multi-faceted development programme. Poverty reduction activities include beekeeping, embroidery, woodworking and fruit-drying schemes.

Environmental efforts are focused on reforestation - a key priority for tree-stripped Haiti. The project also runs a microfinance scheme to foster local businesses and lift individual families out of poverty. However, Paradis des Indiens has not neglected its 'core business' - ten small schools now run under its name, each with around 150 students.

For further information click here: http://foundationpdi.org/