Stories
November 19, 2024 • 2 min read
Cenelus is a 63-year-old mason, ironworker, and carpenter living in Théma, Carrefour – one of Port-au-Prince's most vulnerable and densely populated neighbourhoods. The lack of adequate infrastructure makes life in Carrefour, and Port-au-Prince, incredibly challenging. For example, less than 15% of waste is formally collected and disposed of in Haiti’s capital city.
Inadequate Waste Management
In Port-au-Prince, garbage, waste, and refuse clog urban waterways and contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases, such as cholera. During the rainy season, these polluted waterways overflow and seep into markets and residential homes, posing a serious risk to public health and worsening the quality of life for local communities.
Carrefour is also grappling with extremely high poverty rates. Intense gang violence in Port-au-Prince, coupled with a lack of educational opportunities, makes finding and maintaining adequate employment very difficult.
“Life was challenging,” Cenelus explained. “I have no consistent work, and to support my family, I had to take on various odd, unstable jobs.”
Cenelus Lefranc, MAPP programme participant and CFW recipient now earns money by clearing waste from local waterways, helping to break potential cholera transmission chains, with the support of USAID and GOAL.
Cash for Work Initiatives
GOAL is implementing the Addressing Multi-Sectoral Needs in the Metropolitan Area of Port-au-Prince (MAPP) project, funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.
This programme includes a Cash for Work (CFW) initiative, which provides immediate income to vulnerable households while addressing environmental health issues in their communities. Cenelus now earns money by clearing waste from local waterways, helping to break potential cholera transmission chains.
“This project is a blessing; it feels like manna from heaven,” Cenelus said. “I work in the ‘Cash for Work’ section of the project, and thanks to GOAL’s intervention, I can live with hope and make plans to meet my family’s needs.”
GOAL’s CFW initiative has engaged 1,120 workers and 71 team leaders in Carrefour and Port-au-Prince, providing them with a reliable income while simultaneously improving waste management and public health.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) administers the US Foreign Assistance Program, providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide. This impact story is made possible by the generous support of the American people through USAID. The contents are the responsibility of GOAL and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the US Government.
