This October a new project is underway at the Salesian community in Gressier! Through the support of Salesian Missions in the United States, a new solar power system, water pump, and irrigation system are being installed to facilitate the cultivation of several hectares of land. Future harvests will support the school's feeding program and aid with the financial self-sufficiency of the Salesian vice-province in Haiti.
For several years the Salesian schools in Haiti have received food aid from abroad in order to provide nutritious meals to students. While the Salesians have been very appreciative of such help, many have asked whether it might be possible to help support this food initiative through growing crops here in Haiti. The most promising location for such a project has been at Gressier, located about 25km from Port-au-Prince, where abundant land has been available.
Now this dream is being brought to fruition! A new well has already been drilled, and in the coming months over 60 solar panels, a new water pump, and numerous irrigation sprinklers will be installed at the Salesian community in Gressier, providing the needed infrastructure for the project. In addition, a technician and agricultural workers will also be hired to carry out the needed labor.
Initial plans for the land include growing vegetables and bananas. Vegetables will be used to supplement the meals that students receive for lunch, and bananas and other crops will be sold to help support the Salesian works in Haiti. We are excited to see the first harvests soon!
