View from above ...
View from the ground ...
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Borgne is a subsistence agriculture and fishing community situated on Haiti's northern peninsula. The population of
Borgne and the surrounding villages and habitations is estimated at 100,000.
Located about thirty miles West of Cap Haitien, it is accessible only by one unpaved, rutted road that
is barely passable even in dry weather. There is no bridge spanning the largest river,
so crossings must be done on foot during the rainy seasons.
Basic infrastructure is non-existent. Borgne's population lives without electricity,
running water, or telephone service. The few gas powered generators and solar
panels that do supply the H.O.P.E. clinic and the parish are used only for critical needs.
As in most of Haiti, the region is densely populated. Families are engaged in indiviual subsistence agriculture or
fishing. Borgne faces all of the challenges of extreme poverty - vulnerable to any disturbances to its
fragile economy.
As a peasant community,
Borgne has a network of leaders who are trained (animateurs) to provide
direction and support in the habitations. Operating largely outside of the formal government, these leaders provide
a resource for community development. Additionally, there are numerous volunteer groups of educators, cooperatives
and special interest committees (e.g. water committees, women's groups, etc.).
Life expectancies are about half that of the United States, and infant mortality is at the levels of the poorest
nations on the planet. The most common health threats include Malaria,
TB, Malnutrition, Parasites, HIV/AIDS and Infections. Women's
health needs are often overlooked in order that children and working men are treated first with the limited resources
available.
From a distance Borgne appears to be a picturesque seaside community with more vegetation than much of Haiti. Up
close it shows all of the struggles and suffering found in extreme poverty - with most people living right on the
edge of subsistence.
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