Vassar Haiti Project

The following post is an update on VHP’s reforestation initiative, by  Co-President Claudia Sanchez ‘11.

We have received the first photographs of our reforestation initiative from our partners in Chermaitre! Thanks to our various fundraising efforts, which include dinners, musical soirees and our very successful Reforestation Run, we have been able to collect enough funds to kick start our reforestation endeavors in Haiti. The cost of planting one tree is roughly $5, and through our different activities we have fundraised enough to plant hundreds of new trees.

According to our contacts, in this first round of planting we have apricot, oak, cedar, citrus, lemon and mango trees. The next round will include other varieties of trees. With this, not only do we hope to improve the quality of Haitian soil, but we are also looking to provide the village with a sustainable source of food and income. The children in our school have helped in the planting process, with the guidance of an expert.

This is an incredible development for Haiti, where severe deforestation has had devastating effects on its soil and environment. The island began losing trees at an exponential rate since colonial times. Its current level of 98% deforestation makes it exceptionally prone to floods and other natural mishaps.

We thank everybody who supported our reforestation initiative. These photos show the results of all your care and hard work!