While organisations have provided aid over many decades to the mainland of Haiti, the island of la Gonâve has always been overlooked and disregarded. Going back to the late 1700s, runaway slaves sought refuge on the island having escaped their owners – a safe-haven- because it could only be reached by boat. To date, la Gonâve still remains completely isolated. Less than 5% of people have access to medical care and electricity. Food and water supply are unreliable, and most residents lack access to basic healthcare and education.
Unemployment levels are extremely high meaning very few families have enough money to feed, house, medicate and educate themselves and their children. Three of every four children under five years of age are malnourished. Despite the debilitating conditions on the island, Gonâvians are wonderfully vibrant, generous, strong and kind people.