Building to begin on Merlet Center
On January 12, 2010, a devasting earthquake rocked Haiti. Two years of relief and recovery efforts have unfolded since that disaster struck. In October of 2011, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) voted to grant $475,000 to two Haiti recovery projects. HAPI (Haitian Artisans for Peace International) was the recipient of one of those grants in the amount of $275,000. Directed by Valerie Mossman Celestin, HAPI is well known here in West Michigan.
UMCOR head, the Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey called the action “historic,” and affirmed that UMCOR is “only able to make these grants because people have been so generous. This is a celebration of the generosity of The United Methodist Church to allow us to do this on their behalf,” she said. In the past 24 months, the West Michigan Conference contributed $706,000 to the Haiti Emergency. Those dollars are at work.
HAPI was born in the rural community of Mizak in 2007. Developments have been fast paced for HAPI in recent months. First, the projectg became an Advance Special of the General Board of Global Ministries (#3020490). Then, partnering with the Grand Rapids District, HAPI became the first Community of Shalom in the Caribbean region. Shalom is a community development initiative of The United Methodist Church. Finally, the congregation in Mizak, Faith in Action Methodists, was received into membership by the Eglise Methodiste d'Haiti (Methodist Church of Haiti).
These developments spurred growth that caused HAPI to outgrow its facilities and set the stage for receiving the grant that will soon construct the Merlet Center. The center will be named in honor of Madame Myriam Merlet, former Chief of Staff of the Haitian Ministry of Women. She had a vision for a new Haitian society where, "one should be able to realize and express one's full potential." The Center will provide space "through which the community can explore new ideas, new tools, new capabilities, and new opportunity."
Valerie Mossman-Celestin and Paul Prevost, co-founders of Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI).
It will house an expanded artisans' workshop, classrooms with satellite support, a computer lab, meeting and office space and expansion o f microenterprise and job creation. The facility will accommodate the first university classes offered in the community. "This expansion," says Valerie, "reflects HAPI's philosphy that Haiti will benefit from decentralization of resources and the development of rural areas with businesses, education and health services. which reduce emigration, particularly of young adults." HAPI also believes that a strong Haiti must include greater education and economic opportunities for women. The Merlet Center will give women access to resources previously unattainable. HAPI will emphasize education in business leadership and entrepreneurship, which they hope to do in partnership with a UM-affiliated university.
Valerie notes, "Yes, we will have other seminars and vocational training. For example, we are in conversation with Jerry Losee about the possibility that he might come and teach alternative energy." She adds, "One of our founding principles is to develop leaders who will lead and manage with intergrity and creativity to arrive at sustainable solutions for growth for their country. " Looking ahead, Valerie concludes, "I envision a future where the only reason mission teams come to Haiti is because of the lasting friendships they have built."
When will the project break ground? Two teams of volunteers will be leaving Michigan later this month to lay the foundation. Led by Jerry Losee, team members come from the Concord, Jackson Trinity, and Manchester: Sharon UMCs. They are experienced in the ‘lego-block’ system of construction, formally ICF (Insulated Concrete Foam). This type of construction stands up to earthquakes better than traditional rock and mortar. Learn more about the teams' efforts.
After the Michigan work teams leave, it is estimated that 30-40 local laborers will continue the construction, learning new skills and earning an income. Equipment purchased for the project will remain in Mizak for use on other construction projects in the region.
The Merlet Center is more than a building. It is a vision to reduce domestic violence, improve community health, and promote economic opportunity. For the 35,000 residents of Mizak, Haiti, it will be holy ground, a place where hope and peace are available to all.
Find full details of the project. Meet Valerie on a video that talks more about HAPI's Christ-centered approach.
~reported by Kay DeMoss, Weekly News senior writer