Haiti is a land of rich history and vibrant culture, filled with generous and resilient people. Yet, devastating cycles of political unrest, food insecurity, gang violence, and soaring inflation have plunged many into extreme poverty.
Bright Hope is helping churches in northeast Haiti provide training and resources that enable people to grow their own food, increase their income, and save for the future. Our farmer training program provides training and seeds that boost crop yield, goat breeding empowers sustainable businesses, and mutual savings programs enable low-income individuals to save together and access revolving credit.
These initiatives are not just delivering immediate relief; they are empowering Haitians to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Hugz 4 Haiti supports the work of the Mission des Églises Baptistes Indépendantes (MEBI) in northwest Haiti. MEBI was founded decades ago by Leslie Harris, a Jamaican missionary to Haiti, and his wife Leocardie, the daughter of a local pastor. Together they led MEBI in the establishment of churches, schools, subsistence farming projects, a medical clinic, and an orphanage. Today the medical clinic and lab serve 15,000 residents, while the elementary and secondary schools have 300 students enrolled in each and a 90% pass rate. Some children who grew up in the orphanage and were supported by Hugz 4 Haiti in their education are now serving the community as teachers, pastors, nurses, computer specialists, nurses, and a lab technician. $1800 per month provides salaries for 11 teachers; $2800 per month provides medicine for the clinic and salaries for 1 doctor, 2 nurses, 1 lab technician, and a custodian; and $2000 per month provides food, clothing, and shelter for orphans.

Natoot is a community in the drought-ridden county of Turkana, in northwest Kenya. Bright Hope works with the church committee there on agricultural and adult literacy programs. The Natoot Farm now provides sustainable businesses for farmers and an on-going source of nutrition for the community, while the literacy program is opening up a whole new level of opportunities for the farmers (most of whom are women) and their families.
In Nairobi, Bright Hope works with the Mathare Valley Outreach School to provide education for young people living in the Mathare Valley slums.

Based in Samfya in northern Zambia, Bright Hope is presently working with inter-church committees and Christian Farmers Associations (CFAs) in three nearby villages. The CFAs facilitate small loan programs and set up facilities for storing and processing produce that enable local farmers to increase their earnings by 30% per year. A portion of the CFA income also helps fund church ministries caring for the most vulnerable people in the community.

We know that chronic hunger is debilitating. That's why we're helping families in central and southern Africa learn how to farm more efficiently and sustainably. Using methods developed by Foundations for Farming in Zimbabwe, farmers are able to grow enough staple crop on 1/16th of a hectare to feed their family for a whole year! Greater food security means they can concentrate on generating more income, improving their housing, keeping their children in school, saving for the future, and helping their neighbours. It's a beautiful, Christ-centered way for people to be restored to healthy relationship with God, others, and their environment.

Despite how it is portrayed, education is not necessarily a gateway out of poverty. Learning is often hindered by hunger, and by how children experience the pressures their families are under. The quality of education also varies from school to school. Our partner churches' tutoring programs provide the help many children and their families need. Just an hour or two each day of additional explanation and practice in their lessons prepares and motivates the students to get the most out of their classes. The substantial improvement in their grades speaks for itself, but even more significant is the shift in mindset as they, together with their families and teachers, discover their true capabilities and potential.

Sewing is a valuable skill that can significantly increase a family’s income. In Pakistan, women who sew are sometimes able to earn even more than men who work as daily labourers. Bright Hope’s partners there provide sewing training to women in small groups, and those who complete the training receive their own sewing machine. Most are then able to contribute to the family income, and some have obtained relatively well paid jobs in sewing factories in larger cities. One centre started a small business. 

Most of those trained are Christians but others are free to come as well, and the relationships that are made help to break down barriers between Christians, Muslims, and others in the community.

Anse Rouge is a community in the northwest of Haiti that has identified access to clean water as one of its greatest needs. Bright Hope for Tomorrow is presently in discussion with local leaders on the ground as to what type of project would be most appropriate in their context. A Haitian church in Ottawa, whose members are from the Anse Rouge area, is also involved in the envisioning and planning.