New initiative to create thousands of Haitian jobs

Executives Without Borders, a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging business professionals in solving the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges has launched Ramase Lajan, a “cash for recyclables” programme aimed at spurring sustainable jobs with significant incomes and remove the plastic from Haiti’s landscape and beaches, improving health conditions.

The initiative was launched in partnership with CSS International Holdings Inc. and Haiti Recycling.

“We designed this programme to be a sustainable and realistic solution for increasing employment and improving public health in Haiti,” said Jason Burger, director of CSS International Holdings, Inc. and CSS Haiti S.A.

“Because Haiti is a populous country with little to no job opportunities, we wanted the programme to create the kinds of jobs that allows individuals to become entrepreneurs in a self-directed business that is flexible in location and time. Participants in the Ramase Lajan programme will easily earn a middle class income.”

A commercial recycling programme did not exist in Haiti prior to Ramase Lajan, contributing to the unprecedented amount of plastic that fill the streets and clog the canals of Haiti. This considerably reduces sanitary conditions for citizens as bacteria infected water overflows from heavy rains and spreads into communities.

Ramase Lajan, which means “Picking Up Money,” will expand the collection and harvesting of plastic to create permanent jobs with substantial incomes through a network of independently owned and operated neighbourhood collection centres. Each collection centre will create an estimated 100 or more new jobs. This initiative will ultimately drive investment in Haiti to build factories that turn recycled plastics into products for domestic use and export.

Each collection centre is designed as a self-contained storefront ideal for entrepreneurs. For a one-time cost of US$18,000.00, an expense paid by sponsors, franchisees are provided with everything needed to establish a permanent business including: a manually operated compactor, collection sacks, uniforms, safety gear, and signage, as well as extensive operational and business training. These self-contained storefronts require no electricity, are built to last and are easily transportable.

CSS provides critical construction, fabrication, logistics, supply and other support services for the NGO community and governments worldwide in emerging and post-disaster environments.

Source: Caribbean360