Hey Guys,
I thought I would send you a message to let you know how things are going down here.
During my time back in the states, I did some carpentry work and other odd jobs to make a little money to bring back to Haiti. Between the work and selling a few items, I was able to bring back around $4,000 US. Not a lot, but better than nothing!
I have paid tuition for my girls, they are both in preschool here. I have paid the taxes and fees for the land I purchased last year. I have kept current on all my bills except power...my theory on power is if they can provide consistent power, I will provide consistent payment!
With the girls in school now, I have the time to work in my shop and to advance the goal of creating the carpentry school. I have had several small contracts for office furniture. I can usually fill a contract within a couple of weeks. I am trying to build up stock items so that I can officially "open" my carpentry business. I have sold several of those stock items already and I have had to build them again! Nice problem to have.
To get the school started, I have to get on my new land. There I will build my workshop, classrooms, showroom and a place for us to live. I need to build a security wall around the property, connect to grid power, build a small structure to live in and a covered area to use as a shop (protected from sun and rain)
This is not a solicitation for funds (yet) just want to give you an idea of what it will take.
Wall - between $4000 and $7000, depending on quality of materials and height.
Grid Power - $2000 for a pole, transformer, wire and installation
Our house - $4000 will get me materials to build a couple of rooms and a bathroom
Shop - $2000 should get me enough to build out a decent area to work and store material.
I have a shipping container that is being stored at a friend's orphanage, I will bring it over once the walls are up. It will serve as a secure place to store things while I build the permanent structures. I would like to get a better generator, solar power system, large water filter system and a truck...but all of that can come later.
Neil and Dan, feel free to forward this email to other members.
I am excited for the opportunity that is in front of me. This carpentry business and school will serve the community well. I don't plan on stopping with carpentry. Once I have the school up and running, I will add other disciplines that I know such as training for Electricians, Plumbers, Welders and Computer geeks.
I also have friends here that teach sewing, cooking and music, but they don't have the space to teach more than a couple of students at a time. All of that can be added as we grow.
It was fun meeting all of you and being a part of your group for a few weeks.
Scott Peters,
Gonaives, Haiti
