International Peacemaker from Haiti to visit U.S.

Fabienne Jean will discuss effects of hunger and poverty in her homeland

by Scott O’Neill | Presbyterian News Service

Fabienne Jean. (Photo provided)

LOUISVILLE — Nearly three-quarters of Haitians live on less than two dollars a day; hunger and poverty are daily challenges, as are political turmoil and violence. Despite these obstacles, Fabienne Jean, coordinator of the Hands Together Foundation of Haiti (FONDAMA), works diligently every day to fight for the most vulnerable of those living in her homeland. She will tell U.S. audiences about it as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s International Peacemakers initiative.

“Haiti is the poorest country on the American continent with one of the highest inequality rates in the world,” said Jean. “The FONDAMA network’s priority is to work together with the most vulnerable people in the country. We fight hunger, poverty and social injustice.”

FONDAMA is a network of grassroots Haitian organizations supported by presbyteries and congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is part of Joining Hands, a Presbyterian Hunger Program that works with local networks within a given country to determine and help combat root causes of poverty. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew, a category 4 storm, ripped through Haiti causing extensive damage including floods and landslides. More than 500 people died while millions were affected and required urgent humanitarian needs. FONDAMA provided residents with kits that included soap, chlorine, water purification tablets and vegetable seeds. It also trained more than 400 community leaders on best practices for gardening, food hygiene and adaptation to climate change nutrition.

“FONDAMA fights alongside social organizations to carry out advocacy campaigns and influence public policy in order to create a better life for the Haitian people. It also carries out sustainable development projects to respond to the challenges of hunger and access to water,” said Jean.

Cindy Corell. (Photo provided)

Accompanying Jean on her U.S. visit is Cindy Corell, who works alongside Jean as a facilitator for FONDAMA. She will be Jean’s interpreter on this trip, if not her biggest cheerleader.

“I hope people will hear from Fabienne the strength and power of the Haitian people,” said Corell. “She is strong, and you will hear stories from the heart. And for every Fabienne there are millions more with the same spirit; it’s an honor to talk about our dreams and prayers for peace in Haiti with all those who want to hear our stories.”

Jean is one of 10 International Peacemakers visiting the U.S. as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. They will speak at churches, seminaries and other gatherings from September 21 through October 15. Participating in the Peacemakers program will provide Jean an opportunity to share with U.S. audiences what Haitians face on a daily basis.

“Haiti is known for its poverty. We want the people of PC(USA) to understand the reasons for the hunger and poverty, and to invite more people into partnership with us. Being an International Peacemaker is an invaluable opportunity to share the challenges facing the Haitian people and tell how they are fighting for change. For myself, and in the name of FONDAMA, I want to thank the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program for allowing us to participate and the PC(USA) for all its prayers and support.”

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Jean and Corell’s travel and presbytery schedule include:
San Gabriel Presbytery             Sept. 21- 27
Eastern Oregon Presbytery     Sept. 27- Oct. 2
Eastern Virginia Presbytery     Oct. 2 – 8
Shenandoah Presbytery           Oct. 8 – 15

To learn more about the International Peacemakers program, contact the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program at 800-728-7228, ext. 5805 or email Peacemaking@pcusa.org.

Since 1984, more than 300 International Peacemakers from more than 50 countries have been hosted by Presbyterian organizations. The International Peacemaking Program is made possible by gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering.