Minister Conor Lenihan announces support for Saint Vincent de Paul’s work to combat poverty in Haiti
Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State for Irish Aid, today announced funding to support the work of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Haiti. The Society has a network of 47 branches in Haiti, working to lift people out of poverty through self-help projects in areas such as education and training.
Haiti is one of the least-developed countries in the Western Hemisphere (it is ranked 154th on the UNDP Human Development Index). Life expectancy at birth is 52 years. The adult literacy level is estimated to be just over 50%.
Irish Aid support will allow for a skilled Irish volunteer to be based in Haiti for one year, providing training and support to strengthen the society’s efforts to combat poverty. Announcing the funding, Minister Lenihan said:
“Irish Aid’s support will enhance the capacity of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to provide services to the poor of Haiti. Irish volunteers are working closely with and training local leaders, in the development of self-help projects that provide basic literacy and computer skills.”
Note to editors:
As part of its Micro-Projects Scheme, Irish Aid will contribute €17,737 to the cost of sending a skilled Irish volunteer with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to Haiti to train local community workers. The programme aims to develop self-sustaining community projects.
ENDS+++
Press Office
7 January 2007
Top
