The Four Winds Foundation
 “Chaplain David” Butler Tourigny
Executive Director
Diquini 63, Rue Thread 36
Diquini, Carrefour, Haiti
 (509) 3880.1922

info@chaplaindavid.com
www.chaplaindavid.org

The Four Winds Foundation
@ MMXI

This proposal is copyrighted @ as intellectual property of The Four Winds Foundation and is protected by International Law.
Introduction

Described as “the worst natural disaster in modern history”, the earthquake which struck Haiti on 12 January 2010 resulted in the deaths of over 300,000 people, destroyed over 80% of towns such as Leogane and displaced 1.5 million people into 1,368 spontaneous settlement camp sites. The Presidential Palace, Parliament, National Cathedral, Law Courts, and most Ministerial and Public Administration buildings were destroyed. 
The devastation of this catastrophic event occurred while the nation was still recovering from the hurricane of 2008 which caused wide-spread disruption to the already fragile agricultural system.
After 6-months, there remain 1.5 million people in need of shelter assistance for which 97,054 tents and 337,000 tarpaulins (based upon 2 per family) have been received. The U.N. Shelter Cluster reports a need for 135,000 Transitional Shelters of which 5,657 have been built as of 12 July 2010.
The Haitian Government’s Special Envoy to the United Nations, Leslie Voltaire, stated, “We have not moved into the recovery phase.” The report by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated, “There are worrisome signs that the rebuilding process in Haiti has stalled”. The Government of the Republic of Haiti Action Plan for National Recovery and Development of Haiti begins with the statement, “We must obtain results.”

Executive Summary
 
This proposal provides a model for national recovery that will be results-driven, outcome-based and create opportunities for change consistent with the national plan which states, “The new foundations upon which successful recovery will be based are those that will unite all Haitians and are expected to trigger profound changes in behavior and attitudes.”
Any far reaching proposal aimed to meet these goals must have a detailed understanding of how to merge the various sectors of Haitian society with the international community both now and in the future. It must be inclusive of all stakeholders and actors engaged presently as well those anticipated to be involved in the government’s 10-year plan. At the same time, a successful proposal must be not only broad in scope but must also have objectives that are immediately attainable. In short, we must start where we are and have the end goal in mind.
Only a plan that is adaptable and progressive as described above can bring together the hopes and expectations of all parties while being embraced and adopted by the Haitian peoples. An example of the forward thinking submitted in this proposal is that when the humanitarian response was focused on tents and tarps for emergency shelter, we had already begun to “think outside the tent” and began work on transitional shelters weeks after the catastrophe.
In terms of capacity, 500 of these shelters have now been built by our small rural community. Funds were raised for construction expenses including labor by first selling 2 school buses that had been donated to us in the past. Subsequent partnerships with NGO’s have made this a sustainable and ongoing effort. That 10% of all transitional shelters in the nation for the first 6 months were constructed by our small Haitian community (who didn’t wait for anyone before moving forward) demonstrates not only our capacity for leadership and vision but also the practical and organizational skills necessary to deliver the results presented in this proposal.
At the present time, while the humanitarian effort continues to focus on settlement sites and camps, we have already moved out of the camp mentality towards the more permanent solutions called for in the government plan during this initial 18-month period and beyond.  Land has now been made available for partnership development by national Haitian NGOs who are registered with the government and have clear and undisputable land ownership with deed and title officially verified. This land is in the communes of Les Cayes and Jacmel and in the Departements of Centre, Nord and also in Quest, outside the immediate area of PAP.
This land is exclusively available for development partnerships committed to the Community Center Proposal, as described herein, copyrighted @ by The Four Winds Foundation and as prescribed by the landowners exclusive agreements with The Four Winds Foundation and consistent with the government’s national plan for recovery and redevelopment.

Proposal

As stated in the national plan, “Rebuilding Haiti does not mean returning to the situation that prevailed before the earthquake”.
 The pre-existing situation in Haiti for 2009 was:
• 55% of Haitians live on less than $1.25 per day.
• Per capita annual income is $660.
• 58% of children are under-nourished.
• Less than 2% of forest covers remains due to deforestation.
• Life expectancy is 61 years.
• 38% of the population over 15 was completely illiterate.
• Unemployment in Haiti is up to 80%.
• Up to 173,000 children are regularly exploited as domestic workers.
(Sources: Office of the Special Envoy, UNDP HDR 2009, PDNA March 2010 and Child Protection Cluster.)

This proposal for a Community Center will encompass the visionary approach of the national plan which calls for a break with previous approaches. Our initiative incorporates a new and innovative method which will draw upon the resiliency, creativity and traditional know-how of the Haitian people. It will create jobs, inspire hope and be a self-sustaining model of community for generations to come. The community center will also encourage national solidarity, political stability and reconciliation during this challenging time.
Presently there are numerous actors in this stage of early recovery. Along with the government of Haiti, there is the International Donor Community represented through numerous Committees and Commissions along with the United Nations, IOM and somewhere between 400 and 900 NGO’s in the country at any given time. There is widespread consensus that any lack of coordination among these groups results in the duplication of services while allowing service gaps to exist.
Any fragmentations of these efforts toward redevelopment make it impossible for people to see a clearly articulated strategy towards recovery. Moreover, the average citizen can easily feel left out of this process and uncertain  how to contribute their efforts and whether those efforts are  welcome. Lacking a sense of “ownership” in the recovery process and not feeling engaged in a strategic plan can cause people to feel discouraged and disillusioned at the very time when their involvement and good will is needed most.

Many have reported wanting to help their country but feel a lack of communication is hampering their efforts in self determination. Political and social stability are maintained if signs of progress and involvement are offered. Our proposal puts forward an essential sense of community for citizens during transition from emergency response to redevelopment. We have also designed the type of setting where everyone can feel part of the process of national recovery while offering a “safe place” for the critical need for communication and the exchange of ideas.
 One immediate element of our plan is to upgrade existing radio stations to increase broadcast capacity. Numerous examples in the 20th century have shown that national solidarity can be achieved during times of crisis by the use of radio communication. The distribution of funding for this purpose is already taking place and should be encouraged. Forward thinking radio stations have already developed plans to split their band width allowing them to broadcast television signals over existing radio waves. Funding for this purpose should be an immediate priority in the national strategy.
At the same time, despite all odds, there have been tremendous strides made in the re-establishment of schools, rebuilding of hospitals, replanting in the agricultural sector, the restoration of faith-based communities, reinvestment of equities in the private sector, and the re-emergence of governmental services. Yet these separate and distinct successes take place in different locations, at different times and have not been able to be seen by anyone in a single setting. Thus it is difficult for anyone to get a picture of how all these parts will fit together and what national reconstruction will look like.
This proposal calls for a Community Center, where on a small scale; all the various activities cited above would be able to demonstrate their projects and contributions toward national recovery in one location.  One of the donating landowners is Men Kontra, a Haitian NGO, which has been recognized by the government since 1998, has made available over 100 acres of land exclusively available for this proposal. Situated atop the highest  mountain in Jacmel, Men Kontra has already been operating a Primary and Secondary School, a Medical Clinic, a Community Center and a completed the Rectory of St. Joseph’s Church which was destroyed in the 2008 hurricane. Currently under construction is a second Primary School for 150 children and the remainder of the Church building itself. A 43 acear parcel of land has been deemed to be ideal for housing community residents and work on transitional shelters has already begun.
The initial capacity of the Community Center at this location will be 250 people and will serve as a hub of these activities on a campus type setting.. The center itself will be constructed by the winning team of architects and engineers who will be given the opportunity to showcase their design for an earthquake and hurricane resilient structure.
Various Centers of Excellence will be located on this campus such as an Education Center where state of the art seminars, topical retreats and special workshops would draw exceptional and gifted students from across the nation. The focus of these gathering will encourage students to network with each other and build relationships as the future leaders in Haiti.
Staying with the proposal of making this a small scale model for demonstration purposes, this center will have the capacity of 100 students to gather and be housed. Academic disciplines and the emphasis of seminar studies for older students would include Public Service Administration which will be in great demand over the next 10 years. The demonstration of scientific innovations for national redevelopment will also be held at the center. Natural and low cost “green” solutions to pollution and waste disposal, including those which threaten land, sea and air need to be explored. This center would be a think tank and testing site for innovative and experimental approaches to remediating environmental degradation and the exploration of adjunct and alternative means to the production of electricity. 
Practical training in Vocational and Trade Skills would commence immediately. The first cadre of visiting students would start with hands-on mentoring experience in building their own educational center! Housing for students, visitors and volunteers at the center would also begin with transitional shelters while more permanent housing is constructed. Manufacturing can be modeled on a small scale in the production of textiles with priority given to victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The Engineering Center is an exciting and promising opportunity for state of the art studies and experimental testing of Alternative Energy Sources especially the application of Solar Energy as an A Media Center would provide education in journalism and production training in radio, television and newspaper services as well being a center where internet and information technology  is taught. There currently exist a number of media outlets which specialize in providing communication during the disaster cycle. These organizations will be encouraged to take an active role in the mentoring of students at the center.
The essential need during the time of disaster recovery is communication. This means not only communicating outwardly to a public audience but also providing the means to facilitate effective communication between various stakeholders. Even warring parties seek a neutral site to hold negotiations and broker peace deals! The Community Center lends itself well to this venue as a “safe place” where the exchange of ideas can take place in a relaxed home-like environment where all are welcome. Receptions, workshops, seminars and retreats will be hosted on the campus while offering government officials and dignitaries from the international community a place to hold informal discussions.
International studies will be a strong component of the educational program at the center as the government has expressed its intention to become an emerging nation by the next generation. This will require training in international relations and result in a Diplomatic Center where the youth of today will become the leaders of the future. In speaking of the need to reconstruct the county, the Head of State stated that “The earthquake created a rendezvous of history that Haiti cannot miss; we owe it to our children and our children’s children”. The emphasis on youth as our future and only hope cannot be overstated.
An inter-faith Chapel would be provided on the campus for the use of all residents and visitors with services held reflecting the various practices of those in attendance. A tolerant and respectful appreciation for the views of others should lead to enhanced dialogue between various sectors of society. In order to provide reconciliation and healing of a nation struck by such a tragedy, spiritual leaders and others with special training and experience should be available for small group discussion and interaction with emotionally wounded people. Support groups have known to help to bring recovery to those suffered extreme trauma while sensitivity to a uniquely Haitian culture must be practiced.  Bringing together those separated by long standing fear and distrust would also be possible in such a setting.
A small Medical Clinic would be available at the center for visitors and residents staffed by a Registered Nurse with rounds and oversight provided by a Medical Director. Education on women’s health issues including reproduction and sexuality transmitted disease/HIV and AIDS will be presented. Offering the elderly the opportunity to pass on their wisdom would be consistent with the care and compassion associated with Hospice. Facilities will be available to provide those with terminal and end-stage diseases the chance to die with dignity surrounded by love and support. As with all other features of the center, this clinic would be expected to engage young people interested in learning about healthcare and provide a training site for professional students. Traditional complementary and alternative medical practices would be encouraged where appropriate and as requested. Special rehabilitative services for the disabled will be a priority for the Medical Director.
With a site consisting of 100 acres, additional land for Agricultural Production should be considered.  500 acres would allow for adequate cultivation of self-sustainable vegetable gardens fruit, tubers and crops using modernized farming practices and traditional know-how. Livestock management would also provide students with an opportunity to learn firsthand the value of animal husbandry. This would be started on a small scale with chickens, goats, pigs, cows, horses and other animals. For those entering this career field, the center would serve as a living laboratory with mentoring by experienced Farmers and Veterinarians.
The Arts and Cultural Heritage Center will be a prominent part of the community center. Haitian history will be showcased with displays of art work featuring various cultural themes. Providing a Center for the Performing Arts will allow the expression of the creative impulse of Haitians while inspiring countless thousands to have their spirits lifted and hope restored for the future.  The intangible benefit of various stage and theatrical performances leads to the goal of a “fair and just, united and friendly society living in harmony” as called for in the national plan.
The role of Recreation cannot be overstated in the context of disaster and the ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment as the very word itself means to “re-create”. Having suffered the loss of so many lives and having witnessed the destruction of some many homes and national landmarks, the Haitian people need to begin the journey of becoming renewed within themselves and with each other. The Arts are recognized globally as means of allowing one to be above their circumstances, to be enriched and renewed as no other means can.
An outdoor Amphitheatre on the grounds of the center would be of moderate costs and would begin with simple bench seating for 1,000 people expandable to 2,500 in the next year. Smaller performances for dance and music would be held in the Community Center itself where local talent could be presented to visiting Heads of State as examples of the progress in the nation’s recovery.
In summary, this proposal models, on a smaller scale, many of the expectations the Haitian government has communicated to the International Community:
• Job creation during construction of the center and subsequent career positions.
• Housing for students, volunteers, visitors and staff,
• Schools and Higher Education Institutions,
• Healthcare on a small scale with practical value.
• Hurricane Season and Earthquake resilient buildings.
We will encourage participation and financial support from all sectors that now have a mandate to provide assistance as agreed to in the New York Conference and subsequent Donor Community pledges. The opportunity to contribute to a national showcase of progress and redevelopment will also be supported by individuals, the private sector, foundations, community groups, NGO’s, and various UN agencies.
The Government of Haiti has a special role to play in prioritizing the acquisition and appropriation of land at the proposed site. As first decreed on 19 March 2010 and confirmed in subsequent findings, “The State has the judicial capacity to make land available for the implementation of the Action Plan for National Recovery and Development.”

Conclusion

This proposal sets forth a bold and innovative plan to model the way forward towards redevelopment in Haiti by developing a Community Center where the views of all stakeholders can be served. It offers the opportunity for educational training and the creative expression of youth with special consideration for most vulnerable members of society. While serving as a bridge to the future it retains the full texture of a uniquely Haitian heritage and culture. Thus it seeks to bring about a merging of the past with the future while inspiring hope and confidence in the present.
Cost for completion of the Community Center as of August 2010 is $1.7 million (USD).
Immediate Operating Costs are $79,000 (USD).
These include immediate expenditures covering a 3 month period as follows:
• $3,819 (Housing  of Volunteer Staff)……………………………………..… x 3= $11,459
• $4,166 (Transportation/Vehicle Rentals and Movement of Materials ) ……..x 3= $12,500
• $5,083 (Translators/Drivers/Security and other support staff ) …..…………..x 3=$15,250
• $4,000 (Clearance of Containers at Customs) …………………………………x 3=12,000
• $3,290  (Heavy Duty Equipment including Generators)……………………… x 3=$9,870
• $741 (Office Equipment and Supplies)……………………………………….. x 3=$2,225
• $2,298 (Technical Project Management Consulting)…………………………. x 3=$6,896
• $1,666 (Miscellaneous and Business Expenses not anticipated) ………………x 3=$5,000
• $1,266 (Administration)………………………………………………………. x 3=$3,800
                                                                                                         
                                                                        ($13 for 3 month calculation rounded off.)

Immediate Total Operating Costs $79,000