Haiti Sports for Development (HS4D)™: HavServe's Youth Soccer Program (HYSP)

Over 250 children are participating and several local Haitian volunteer coaches have been trained to lead six soccer teams in the village of Lebrun, Haiti.

Konbit for Lebrun: Road Building/ Community Improvement Project

Building roads suitable for year round use isn't cheap, especially in wet areas. The villagers need help to manage the water. Ditches are needed to direct the water away from the road bed and tiles/culverts as required under the low spots so the water can drain through the tile instead of through the roadbed. Next, a layer of very coarse crushed rock followed by a layer of finer crushed rock will provide a solid base for the road.

Volunteer architect working on a Multi-purpose Educational Center for the Village of Lebrun, Haiti

What is the problem and how can volunteer architects help?

For decades, scores of Haitian villagers have been migrating from the countryside to the capital city, Port-au-Prince, in search of opportunities and in order to escape the isolation, absence of infrastructure, and lack of access to basic necessities such as medical care and education. These communities are left without adequate access to basic amenities like running water and electricity. HavServe Haiti offer voluntary architecture jobs in the Village of Lebrun with a community building project based in the Corail Hills of the Village. This project is designed to provide a multi-purpose educational facilities for underprivileged village communities. As a volunteer architect you will use your knowledge and training to help coordinate this building project and ensure that all available resources are used effectively and efficiently. Your main job will be to design and oversee the construction of new buildings in the village of Lebrun. We are determined to provide these villagers with the quality education they need to make their lives easier. We believe that you can help us achieve this.

What is my role as an architect in Lebrun, Haiti?

• Consult with a team of local staff to assess current buildings, available materials and equipment.
• Prepare and present design proposals to members of the community and project supervisor.
• Produce detailed drawings from which costing can be made.
• Advise on the practicality of the project.
• Negotiate with contractors and other professionals.
• Coordinate the construction of the building in conjunction with contractors and volunteers.
• Organize and run training clinics for HavServe volunteers working on local building projects (optional).

What skills or qualifications do I need?

In order to ensure high standards and help the project progress you will need to be a fully qualified, chartered architect as an absolute minimum. Ideally, a qualified architect on this project would also possess at least two years’ experience of practicing professionally. You should be confident in your ability to lead a team and in your knowledge of up to date design and construction methods. The person we have in mind would be confident, outgoing, friendly and creative, as well as having the patience required when working with less experienced staff and adapting to the challenges of a developing country, such as Haiti.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for this role, you can still help on the same project. Please visit our website for more information about our Ongoing Project.

What is unique about this project?

The HavServe Team believe that volunteer placements can and should be about much more than one person helping the less fortunate. Cultural exchange has always been paramount on our projects with volunteers spending time in local Haitian communities, learning about Haitian culture and experiencing a different way of life. Our Skilled Volunteer Placements offer a unique chance for you to work with fellow professionals in your industry, sharing your ideas and learning to adapt your working methods to face a challenging new environment. Naturally, some of your new peers will be less experienced than you and this will provide an opportunity to pass on some of your specialized knowledge and training. However, in many cases you will meet talented, well-respected professionals happy to engage in lively debate and offering you the chance to learn and apply valuable new skills.

What guidance and support is provided?

Upon arrival in Haiti you will be collected at the airport local staff or a designated driver and escorted to your new accommodation in the Village. All of our volunteers stay with local host families and you will be provided with plenty of food and clean drinking water. Our friendly and dedicated staff are on call 24 hours a day to ensure your safety and wellbeing and a member of the team will make frequent visits to check the standard of your accommodation and placement. You will also be invited to social events such as local music, soccer game, water falls, local market and giving you the chance to meet new volunteers and relax after work. Questions regarding any aspect of this placement are welcome and your HavServe Team is more than happy to offer guidance and advice.