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Buenos Dias-Bon Jour,
For some of you it has been a long time since talking, while others I have seen in person not too far in the past. Recently having my brother and a good friend come out to visit I was reminded again of the life I am living and how much it contrasts from the daily life I knew in the states. I saw in their faces the moments of confusion, wonder but most importantly of joy. I live in a special place here and a truly unique one as it falls directly on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Everyday I mix Spanish with Haitian Kreyol(Creole), conversations that are a bit simpler here as we talk about the rain or the lack thereof and the ripening mangos. It has not always been easy as the poverty and environmental conditions do not provide the best of living conditions but despite these disadvantages in the five communities I work in we have accomplished a lot in the last year. Over fifty thousand fruit and wood trees have been planted, we have had a veterinary class that has taught over sixty farmers and their families how to properly care for their cows, sheep and goats. Solicited funds have been used to begin an animal project giving 20 families animals(cows and sheep) and when they breed the offspring will be passed along to another family with the intent that within five years time everyone within the community will have received benefit. Yet with all this work there still remains much to be done within the community especially with regard to health.
This e-mail is not only to share a little bit of my life and some pictures with you but also it is a request for your assistance to participate in a program that will directly reflect on the health of fifty families. I have applied for a proposal that is posted on the Peace Corps website at http://www.peacecorps.gov/contribute/projects/index.cfm Your assistance could come in the form of a monetary donation or by passing it along to those you know, putting it up at work or school. However, big or small the donation is irrelevant. It is important to note that 100% of the funds will go directly to the project without any overhead costs. Donations can be made by internet or mail.
The mail address to donate is--
OPSC&IV;
1111 20th St. NW
Washington, DC 20526
Here is a short description of the project.....
Capotillo, Dajabon Province, Dominican Republic
Total Request: $ 4,000
Peace Corps Volunteer - Justin Overdevest
U.S. Hometown: Orange County, California
Community Leader: Israel, president of farmer’s group, Campesino Fronteriza
Capotillo is a rural agricultural community of 507 that falls directly on the northern border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, a border area that has faced a turbulent history on this shared island. The farmer’s association, Campesino Fronteriza, was formed in 1980 and has been working to provide the community with the lacking necessities. Presently, the health of families is the top priority and the two main factors are water quality and sanitation. Water quality can be more easily managed with the use of chlorine but sanitation is a problem that requires a larger investment. New latrines have not been built within the community for ten years leaving many of them full or needing complete repair. A census conducted within the community of Capotillo and outlying communities determined that over eighty percent of the population suffered from diarrhea and complain of constant stomach problems. These types of health issues, as well as problems with parasites, giardia and hepatitis, can be directly contributed to poor sanitation situations.
The multi-community latrine project will provide Capotillo with thirty new latrine systems and ten in the outlying rural communities of Don Miguel and La Peñita Abajo. Funds raised for this project will go directly to the purchase of materials necessary for construction (zinc sheets, wood, cement, etc.). The labor associated with building the latrines (digging of latrine holes and construction), transportation, gravel and sand materials. In addition to the latrine construction several health workshops will be carried out through the public health office and the Peace Corps volunteer. These workshops be available to the community at large and will cover health issues including the maintenance of a latrine, water quality and other basic health issues.
If there are any questions or suggestions please feel free to send them. Included in the pictures are two of my latrine which will be the basic design for this latrine-sanitation project. I am a bit far from you all but I ask that you contribute in some way if it is only to pass on the word. A few dollars or a few words go a long way. Thank you for your time and hopefully your interest.
Take Care,
Justin or as I am known in these parts Agustin
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