WHERE IS GABO AND WHAT IS GOING ON THERE?

The little village of Gabo, Haiti is not an easy place to find on a map.  First, it helps to know something about how Haiti is organized. 

The Republic of Haiti is divided administratively into ten departments. The departments are further divided into 42 arrondissements, and 140 communes.    In the Arrondissement of Hinche, look for the Commune and Municipality of Maissade. 
(This link will help.) (Here is a map with Maissade located.)

The Commune of Maissade is divided into three administrative districts, one of which in the northern area is called Hatty.   (Here is what I could find about Hatty.)  Notice that there is not much reported about this very remote, rural spot on the globe.  The village of Gabo is located in the District of Hatty.

According to the census taken by its newly formed well management committee, Gabo is a village of 241 persons in 40 households.  Water source(s) are miles away and not safe for human use.  Most households have latrines, although they may or may not be sanitary.  

Taking a census is an exceptional event in any part of Haiti.  It is one of the very first community development tasks that Haiti Outreach trains the local well management committee to do.  It is not only a matter of counting all the people; it is also a way for the the committee members to establish themselves as responsible and accountable community leaders of the entire project.  

Here are some photos Haiti Outreach provided to show us the transformation going on in Gabo right now.

This young woman is filling her water bucket for the long trek back home.

A community meeting about the community managed well.

 Learning to lead with authority, responsibility, accountability and transparency 

requires serious education with Haiti Outreach staff organizers and teachers.

You are invited to participate in this partnership with the residents of Gabo.  

• Attend the fundraising event on Sept. 14 at SOHO.  Click on this link for your invitation.

• Make a donation to the Gabo community managed well project payable to Forest Hill Church - Haiti well project at Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

• Learn more about the sustainable development mission of Haiti Outreach and its Adopt-A-Well program from this website.

--Kermit Lind