Reflections After My Post-Earthquake Trip to Haiti

Friends of Lakou,

At the beginning of September, Lakou’s Board chair, Dave Haracz, and I spent ten days visiting with our team in Haiti. We had the opportunity to visit the homes of each one of the participants in our construction program and were able to get a sense of how they are managing in the aftermath of the earthquake. Dave captures this experience well:

Though I am incredibly sobered by these realities, I want to be clear that I am not discouraged. In terms of Lakou, every structure that we had built remains intact demonstrating that, with the right discipline and construction techniques, Haiti’s population does not need to be as critically threatened by natural disasters. 

Because of this, we see the recent earthquake as a mandate to grow our mission. Our construction training is more important than ever. While we are still in the post-disaster stabilization process, the team will be back in the classroom and training on the job site by November. We are working tirelessly to get the right tools and equipment in place to increase the capacity of our on-the-job training as well as IGSA, Lakou’s construction company. Thank you to our many partners of the Lakou community who have made this possible!

I want to highlight that what fuels my sustained optimism is the same thing that has been true since the start of Lakou: the intensity and passion of our young men to succeed, to grow, to change, and to improve their lives and the lives of their children. They are committed to making the most of every opportunity and Lakou is committed to opening the door!

In gratitude & partnership,

Randy Meyer