“Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalms 139:23-24
The Garde Saline Leadership Council started in 2012, with nine members who were elected by the village. This Council is charged with designing, implementation, managing, and evaluation of Garde Saline’s sustainable community development plan; coordinating the work among all aide groups in the village; and keeping the entire village informed of its work., seeking their input and support.
In May 2016, The Faith Project developed a Leadership Training Curriculum, and several intensive training conferences were held in Garde Saline. Topics ranged from visioning, strategic planning, sustainability, community development, ethics, working as one unit for the benefit of the community, to name a few.
- “The training has enriched my knowledge. We learned about many issues that I was not aware of, such as the role of a leader in the village.”
- “Since the training, I understand better what I have to do to be a leader. The responsibility to be a leader is within each of us.”
- “Learning about the difference between a good leader or a negligent leader has inspired me to be a dedicated leader, a responsible leader. I can’t expect other people to do it; it is my responsibility.”
- “I learned there is no way to be successful if I don’t take leadership seriously, if I am not accountable to my role as a leader in the village.”
- “Learning about good communication as we work together to make a better village was important to learn.
- “In Haiti there is a lack of understanding of even what leadership is. The training enriched my understanding of this.”
- “Servant leadership is not real in this country. But, with the forming of the Leadership Council and this training, people are becoming involved.”
Five-Year Impact Data
Sustainability Plan Program Area 2012 2017
Leadership Council Elected 0 1
Leadership Trainings Completed 0 3
Does Council seek villagers input? —– 55% Yes
Is the Council effective in bringing positive change? —— 65% Yes
What key projects has the Council implemented (top three):
- Clean Water 35%
- Medical Clinic 22%
- Business Loans for Women and Farmers 9%