New Level 1 Curriculum Added
Metal Fabrication
Automotive Maintenance & Repair
Haitian Creole Electrical (updated)
The Alumni Association sent nine applications to a partner organization for a three month masonry project.
Why it matters: Finding employment in Haiti is very difficult, even after graduating from a Level 1 Training. Even if graduates are fortunate enough to find employment, the current minimum wage is only 500 Haitian gourdes for an 8-hour day, which converts to $4.83 a day, or 60 cents an hour in U.S. currency. Finding work for an International organization usually ensures wages well above minimum wage.
Going Deeper: Extollo's Alumni Association stays in contact with graduates and acts as a liaison between other businesses and organizations looking for skilled workers. Last year, the program hosted over 30 alumni for a Job Search Workshop. Human Resource expert, Rose Medard, explained to participants how to network to find work opportunities, how to prepare a resume, and how to interview. We also had two guest engineers from local construction companies who responded to interview questions during the workshop. The Q&A helped to illustrate to participants what employers are looking for in an entry-level worker when hiring onto a construction site.
Extollo leadership had the opportunity to attend two conferences recently: (NAAHP - National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals and the WOC - World of Concrete) allowing us to network with and build numerous meaningful relationships.
Extollo continues to distribute drinking water to the local community.
Why it matters: Extollo's vision is based on the Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a life-time.” However, there are times when relief aid is necessary due to natural disasters or civil unrest. This is one of those times, and we are grateful to be in a position to meet some basic water needs of those around us.
Going Deeper:
Most of the gang violence and unrest is contained to the capital city of Port au Prince.
The Extollo Training Center is located about 25 miles northeast of the capital.
It is still dangerous to travel on the main roads, especially with equipment and supplies.
Haiti continues to have a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory due to "kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest."
Follow the US Embassy in Haiti for more up-to-date information on the security situation in Haiti
Thank you for this report. Encouraging. Moving forward through difficult circumstances! Extollo and Haiti are in my prayers every day. Let us remember that our God “sees, knows and cares,” and that nothing is impossible for Him!