Objective

The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) initiated a program in Haiti in May 2004 in response to the political turmoil resulting in, and from, the resignation of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on February 29, 2004 and is working through the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Our goal in Haiti is to support a peaceful transition in which citizens and government work together towards rebuilding stable communities.

The program has three main objectives:

•  Restore citizen confidence and hope in the process of political development and positive change;

•  Empower citizens and the government to address priority needs in communities; and

•  Build cooperative frameworks between government activities and citizens as examples of positive change and progressive political development.

Through IOM, OTI works with community-based groups in targeted, conflict-prone areas to identify small, high impact projects. IOM engages the community to plan the projects, develop partnerships with local officials and government Ministries, contribute workers, security and oversight, and provide ongoing maintenance and supervision. OTI and IOM serve as the glue – we support these community-initiated projects through small grants and assistance in the development of relationships and partnerships between the community, the local government, and the national government.

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Activities & Results for FY 2004

Since its inception in May 2004 , the OTI program has committed over $ 1.5 million for a total of 70 grants in at-risk communities in Port-au-Prince , Saint-Marc, Petit Goâve and Gonaives . This work is already making a difference. Some of the activities we have supported include:

•  Rehabilitating public works including water mains and pumps, roads, bridges, and electricity;

•  Refurbishing schools and municipal kitchens;

• Restoring soccer fields and sports complexes;

• Radio “stories” to highlight successful community/central government partnerships; and

• Providing emergency assistance to Gonaïves relief efforts including repair of trucks, initial repair of the water system and culverts, mud removal and short-term employment efforts.

These results inspired new projects in the communities, like a non-violent zone surrounding the soccer field and a “play for peace” tournament in Martissant. Additional peace and reconciliation initiatives are planned. OTI activities have not only mobilized these communities, but have also provided short-term employment to over 1,000 people, including unemployed youth who are at a great risk for violence

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