July 2017 Volunteer Tracy Sanna is back!

Tracy is a Loyola U. Pastoral Counseling graduate that first volunteered in 2013 and is sponsoring Ti-Widner. She is also a full time social science teacher.

Pizza Project Phase 1

Rendezvous Haiti purchased an outdoor pizza oven to be used to make and sell pizza in the restaurant and to potential offer start-up options for job seekers. During this trip, the young adult and adolescent women practiced making pizzas and cook them in the new oven. In order to encourage creativity we had a pizza cook off to see whose pizza was the tastiest. The girls used a variety of toppings that they thought would peak the interest of their Haitian customers.  Toppings included tomato sauce, cheese, green peppers, onions, and hotdogs. This pilot project is the result of research done by LUM’s class of 2017, Rob Scherba, who interned for RVH this past spring. A start-up investment of around $ 1,000 was assessed. The next step is to find a motivated micro-entrepreneur who can take this on.   

                                

Sewing Project

The young adult women at the Foyer showed their sewing skills by creating pencil cases and eye glass cases. These women worked together and used their creativity and expertise to create 20 items that will be sold this fall to gain money for the Foyer. The most impressive aspect of watching these women was their team work. Side by side, they completed what they could not do alone. This project’s goal is to stimulate resourcefulness, creativity, skill acquisition and autonomy.

Painting Project

The young men at the Foyer again put their artistic ability on display by creating beautiful landscapes of the Caribbean. These also will be sold in order to raise money for the Foyer. Each artist was paid for his work to incentivize creativity and entrepreneurial skills. They are encouraged by their 3^rd place finish in Food for the Poor annual worldwide competition.

Kids Projects

During this trip the young children at the Foyer participated in beading, bracelet making, bridge design and building, drawing, and geography activities. During this week the children did not have camp and appreciated the stimulation and opportunity to engage their bodies and minds. 

Mamba Making

Tati Jo and the other girls and women at the Foyer created their delicious Mamba (peanut butter). This budding business is a hit with volunteers. Catherine, never leaves Haiti without a Mamba supply J and Tracy bought several jars to bring home.  All the proceeds go to the Foyer.