This event was organized by Global Investment Summits in conjunction with the IPOA.  Jointly, they brought relevant international organizations and aid agencies together with key players from the private sector.  This model seems to be the modus operandi of the IPOA, in particular and it works well.

I was not apprised of the summit until the second day at which time the DC office of the IPOA diligently prepared to receive HaitiEcole.com and even set up a table for us  to present www.HaitiEcole.com at the roundtable meeting sessions which would take place later on that day. 

When I arrived at the SOFITEL Miami Hotel  on March 10, 2010, as I went through registration, security and entered the conference room, I saw a comfortably packed room with individuals representing various organizations and I walked in as LTC Michael Hendrigan/Stuart Kefford - Civil Military Fusion Center was speaking.  His presentation was on "Cooperation in Security and Stability".  His website address is: www.cimicweb.org.

Then I was delighted to listen to Ms. Maureen Taft-Morales - Congressional Research Service speaking on "Conditions in Haiti and Long Term Reconstruction.  Ms. Taft Morales spoke of Equality, Poverty Reduction Programs which are crucial for a sustainable Haiti.  The primary concerns I noted from her expose are: Corruption and Lack of Capacity.  Ms. Morales did praise Haiti on the fact that Haiti developed a budget, there were procurement processes getting in place just before the earthquake happened and there were some job creations worth noting; although, she mentioned, clean water and other services are still inadequate.   "The key is sustainability", she said.  "Haitians must be involved in the process"  and she further said there should be REQUIRED TRAINING and knowledge transfer in every area in Haiti.  With respect to capacity building, Ms. Morales spoke of three (3) main areas of potential growth in Haiti, Science and Technology, Human development, "the young people" and their EDUCATION and she brushed upon Trade and Export.   Ms. Morales briefly but efficiently exposed the need for sound and sustainable EDUCATION for Haiti's Children.  She said "Education is crucial" and job creation MUST be accompanied by an Education component, and I fully agree with that concept.   It was interesting for me to hear the words that I utter daily regarding Haiti and its children, its future.

Ms. Merrie Archer - US Department of State followed and spoke of "CRS Support of USG Efforts in Haiti".  It was a very informative speech and she concluded by quoting a well-known creole proverb: "Main anpil chay pa lou".  In this blog I wish to primarily focus in the area of Haiti's Children Education and will inform you primarily about that.  Ms. Archer was very kind to give me a few minutes of her time after her speech and told me of her strong interest in children's education.

During lunch, I joined a professional group of guys from Worldwide Shelters and learned of what they do as they listened to what I do.  It was delightful and I hope to work with them on behalf of www.HaitiEcole.com.

The afternoon sessions were devoted to private consultations between representatives from leading NGOs, IGOs, Government Agencies, and the private sector.  Schedules were pre-arranged to provide a unique opportunity to discuss the key issues affecting Haiti's Reconstruction and Redevelopment sectors.

At HaitiEcole's table 15 I sat and was visited by quite a few, the Director of Haitian Diaspora for FONKOZE was very interested to learn of HaitiEcole.com, she is quite a resourceful individual and we have already followed up on that meeting.  The President of Recycle Tech Inc.  was one gentleman I spent quite a bit of time with as he came to meet with us,  I would have never thought there would have been such a great connection between what they do and our long term goal for HaitiEcole.com.  That was a match!  We have already met at their offices and are working on a deal.  I welcomed the President of ITG Consultants who immediately committed to sponsor our HaitiEcole.com soccer game coming up in the month of June at the campus of Florida International University in Miami.  (Details are going to be available soon)  Thanks IPOA and GIS, Ltd!  I really enjoyed Mr. President of IPOA, Mr. Doug Brooks, stopping by HaitiEcole table 15 and taking the time to listen to who we are and what we are doing and where we want to take HaitiEcole.com.  One of his staff members also joined in and they did not simply listen but they promptly acted by providing me a list of organizations and individuals they thought might be important for me to meet with and have private consultations with.  That list helped me to swiftly go to the area managers and set up my meetings with various entities such as World Food Programme, OXFAM, and others in the private sector.  I was able to quickly chat with World Vision's South Florida region Executive Director and the President of the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce among some notable individuals in attendance.

This past week since the summit has been a follow-up week with meetings, drafting MOUs and LOIs and it did not leave me much time to blog on it as quickly as I had hoped.  Overall, this Summit has been one successful event for HaitiEcole.com and we are grateful to the organizers.  The IPOA did not let us pay for anything as a non-profit organization and we are very pleased.

Visit our website: www.HaitiEcole.com NEWS page as often as possible to stay informed of the latest developments at HaitiEcole.com!

Until next time friends, "do good because it is good".

Gina Hortance
Founder
www.HaitiEcole.com


.