Cresfed heads an ambitious project in Haiti to favour the realization of democracy through research and training. The objective is to develop the skills of the leaders of civil society (directors and administrators of on site associations) and public powers (elected officials and the technical and administrative personnel of local cooperatives), so they can encourage citizens to participate in social, economic and cultural life through various activities: community newsletters, discussion panels or debates on local issues, support of group actions, campaigns, presence in schools (eg. Introducing a cursus of civic education and learning), etc. The idea is that these activities will enable redesigning of the social structure and assure a better administration of local government.
At the heart of this engagement is education and training, fundamental for reinforcing civic responsibility. Analyzing our actual living conditions, working on collective proposals around a consensus, accepting responsibilities both individually and collectively, public speaking, developing skills in acceding to a common accord through negotiation, compromise and action… are all aptitudes for a greater participation by all members of society – and so skills to be obtained or enriched.
Birth of a partnership
Frères des Hommes decided to support Cresfed at the early years of the 21st century to help in constructing a rightful and democratic state in Haiti. With this in mind, the choice of joint venture was focused on training needs identified on two levels: ensuring an effective management of resources by local administrators and elected representatives during the decentralization process, and the development of greater participation of populaces in the management of communal lands. The training program put in place by Cresfed and Frères des Hommes, « Decentralization, local government and development », has created an important base for the realization of these objectives, notably with the introduction of the DES (Superior Education Diploma) for field heads, the only one of this type in the country, and the creation of two civic centers in two pilot communities to lead consciousness raising activities in their regions on questions regarding civic duties tied to decentralization.
