History and Context of Men-nan-Men
- Designed in 2010 following January 12 Earthquake in Haiti
- Target participants based on Haitian Proverb “Fam-se-Potomitan”
- Purpose:
- To assist Haitian women in developing small business ventures in order to generate needed funds to support their families and lakou (Kinship)
- To build on the historical and organic support systems and collective structures:
- Wisdom of Elders, Communal Strength, Resilient Spirit
- To make available small start up funding that can help provide financial reserves and safety net for families
- To help women develop simple/basic businesses and strategic plans
Haitian Wisdom at the Heart of Men-nan-Men
- Men ampil – Chay pa lou
“ With many hands, the burden is not heavy” - Léspoua fè viv
“Hope makes one live” - Bon Pa Gaspiyé
“Good is never wasted”
Funded In April 2012 Through Donation From Holy Co-funded In April
- Every morning woke up anxious and hopeless
- L’agent Cho Exchange
◦Borrow at 9 AM – Return by 4 PM
◦No profit – No food for family - Community Supports
◦Strong Lakou of families & kin
◦YaYa Fondation Clinic in City
provide Health Services & Counseling twice a month
January 2011
January 2012
