Advancements in global development happen on many levels from
large scale international projects and programs to small scale
initiatives. As Vincent van Gogh stated, "Great things are
not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought
together." Frequently, small scale, low-tech and low cost
projects can ultimately create positive change on a much larger
scale. Such examples include the highly successful
micro-credit innovation providing very small loans to impoverished
peoples in order to spur entrepreneurship and economic development.
In response to this the CGD's Micro Development Projects initiative
is actively working on and soliciting ideas for new Micro
Development Projects which are low-tech and low cost yet have the
potential to deliver big change.
Current Micro Development Projects:
After the CGD's recent October 2009 visit to Haiti, several
micro projects were identified, researched and have begun
implementation. One such project is at the Edeyo
Foundation's Ecole Communautaire du
Bel-Air, a primary school serving several hundred
students in the Bel-Air section of Port-au-Prince, formerly
one of the most dangerous and impoverished areas of the capital
city. After visiting this school several micro-projects were
identified including the first project which was to provide relief
to the students, pictured to the right, and teachers from the
Haitian climate's extreme and draining heat and humidity which is
amplified in the school's classrooms. The CGD immediately began
researching low-cost yet effective measures and has partnered with
the major U.S. based fan manufacturer Lasko who
has generously agreed to supply each of the twelve classrooms with
quiet, oscillating, high quality wall-mounted fans. A small team
from the the Edeyo Foundation traveled back to Haiti in December,
2009 to work with local electricians on the installation of the
fans.
Future Projects:
To submit ideas or requests for future micro development
projects or programs please send the details of your idea and or
request to the Director of Program Development, Kevin Jamison at
jamisonk@stjohns.edu