Zanmi, “Friend” in Haitian Creole
Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the Upper Plateau is one of the poorest regions of Haiti. Many of the women living in the Upper Plateau were leading very difficult lives because of their employment statuses. Having no jobs, or prospects of work, these women were living in unimaginable conditions. In partnership with Project Medishare For Haiti, the Zanmi club has been able to provide these women with jobs, and much more. Before Zanmi started helping these women, they were using charcoal cook stoves, which can be detrimental for one’s health. They also had to walk over 2 miles just to get water. In addition, they had no lights or cell phone chargers, despite having phones. With the help of Zanmi, the women now have propane stoves, a water treatment system in their neighborhood, solar powered lights and phone chargers, and an ambulance. These women are now able to receive alerts about incoming storms, allowing them to protect their families and communities. By making crafts for the Zanmi club, the women are now able to earn enough money to provide for their families and to send their kids to school. Each basket sold results in money given directly to the women and money given to Project Medishare to help the women and their community.
Haiti Handcrafts
These Haitian women have total control when it comes to making their crafts. They choose which materials they want, the size of their products, and how many products they make each year. There is no minimum amount that these artisans are required to make, so they are free to make as few or as many projects as they want whenever they have the time. Because the women have total creative discretion over what their projects look like, every Haiti Handcraft is unique and special in its own way.
Natalie Soloway oversees the creation of Zanmi bowls in Haiti
The Zanmi Club in Malibu
Before the Haitian women can start work on their crafts, they have to get their supplies shipped in from Malibu, California. The Malibu High School Zanmi Club works hard during their lunch periods to make kits ready for the women. During their meetings, they cut, stuff, and sell the Zanmi dolls and animals to get the money to the women as quickly as possible. In some meetings, the Zanmi Club cuts old t-shirts into the shapes of the dolls. They also cut eye and mouth holes, and pack up the kits to be sent to Haiti. The Zanmi Club works to make the lives of these women better, through providing them with money from sold crafts at boutiques, fundraisers, and more. Soon, the Zanmi Club will be receiving an opportunity to sell at a long-term pop-up shop in Malibu. This will increase the amount of baskets, dolls, and animals being sold, thus allowing the women to lead happier, healthier, and better lives.