Economics + Budgeting Seminar
Last month, HDC held a seminar on “Understanding Basic Economics in Order to Budget Well”
“I think this training happened at an essential time. With inflation rising to an almost unlivable level in Haiti, the cost of living has risen considerably, and it has become harder and harder for Haitians to cope with rising costs in order to support themselves and their families. We always want to try and support our artisans and equip them with training as life continues to get harder, and I think simply having a conversation on how to budget and save money when you feel like you can’t save anything at all, was very helpful. Many of our artisans stated that they have since applied some budgeting principles that they learned in the training, and some have said that they have given more effort towards paying off debt, and working towards accomplishing their goals. “ - Courtney Sanon, HDC Social Programs Coordinator
“This training helped me learn how I can limit my spending, start saving, and start thinking more about my future and how I can manage my finances better!”
The Essentials Crossbody
The Beaded Fringe Studs
Art - by Jerry
Our advanced English class was tasked with writing an essay about something that is important to them - and to document it with a roll of film and a disposable camera. We loved every bit of reading their work, and what it reveals about the beauty of Haitian culture and the people we get to work with.
My name is Jerry and I am a artisan working at Haiti Design Co. There are many definitions of art, but instead of trying to provide the meaning of what art is, I want to give you a glimpse of what art looks like in Haiti, and why it is important for us.
In Haiti there are so many different accessories and styles. Even in just our workshop, you will find a variety in our collection. We have products at our workshop made with paper mache, horn and bone, metal work, aluminum casting, leather, beadwork, wood, and fabric. There are so many things that give us inspiration. Our trees, their leaves, the shape of our houses, our valleys, our mountains, the color of our beaches, there are so many different things that artists can gain inspiration from.
Art is something that you can learn by studying, by practicing, and through observation. But in Haiti, art is something that we learn to do not only because we are passionate about it, but because it helps us to earn a living.
Art helps us to grow relationships with other countries, and it helps to change Haiti’s image as a country that is beautiful and resourceful. Art shows a different side of Haiti, a side that represents the good in our country.
Art is a reason for people from all over the world to come and visit Haiti, and to meet so many great people and professional artisans.
