Getting to know Abraham

My name is Abraham Rivage. I was born in Les Cayes, Haiti. I moved to Port-au-Prince in 1999 with my family to go to school.

Through the years, I always made sure I could make some money either through selling goods or else. I had a sense of entrepreneurship from a young age.

I joined the Haiti Design Co. team in 2017. Before this, I worked in mechanics from 2014 to 2017.

Adelson, one of the leather team members referred me so I could also work at Haiti design Co. At first, Madame Fabienne and Madame Chandler were the ones who trained me. I was part of of the “Tèt frèt” team where we did packaging and shipping. I was so happy to be able to learn quickly. I also had a lot of support and help. Now in 2022, I have grown a lot and am now in charge of the packaging and shipping. I manage the quality control of products before they are shipped out as well.

I have a 4 year old son and we are best friends. He is my main motivation in everything I do

His mom lives in Brazil and he lives with his grandma but we see each other often. He is in second year of kindergarten. His name is Schneider Rivage. He is incredibly smart and shows me so much affection. Whenever I go see him in Miragoane, he is always sad to see me leave. I unfortunately cannot take him to Port-au-Prince because it is not safe enough for him.

Besides working at HDC, I love doing business. I sell fresh drinks. I love reading books in English so I can learn the language and also romantic books.

I am looking forward to everything 2022 holds. Growth in my work and more time with my son.

Many Hands in Action

It is with much excitement that we get to introduce you to Haiti Design Co-op's own, in-house, community development committee,

also known as- HDC IN ACTION

If you have spent any time around the Haiti Design Co-op family you have probably heard us use the creole phrase, ‘men anpil, chay pa lou.’ In english it means many hands make the load light, and it is our number one mantra in day to day operations. HDC IN ACTION is the embodiment of that phrase through and through.

HDC IN ACTION consists of different leaders from around the workshop, some are managers, and some are part of our workshop family that want to do their part in lifting up the people around them. The committee began organically as a way to plan events and parties, and has grown into a platform for social change in our community. We truly value the input of our staff, and they have become the driving instigator for a lot of our social initiatives. When deciding on a logo for the committee, the group chose a banana leaf in hands. They said this represents the spirit of Haiti Design Co-op, their culture, and country being in their hands. Currently they are working towards helping plan a community garden and green project for HDC known as The Banana Leaf Initiative (more exciting info to come!), as well as planning personal growth seminars such as mental health awareness and personal financial training.  The committee is working on planning community clean up days, and cultural education days where they can explore and learn more about different parts of the gorgeous island nation. 

HDC IN ACTION VISION STATEMENT

HDC IN ACTION exists to work together to support the community in all we do. We strive to create initiatives to improve well-being, protect the environment and the culture, and encourage personal growth. We work to teach individuals that change starts from within, and to give them the resources and opportunities to take that change to their communities. We are role models for our co-workers, families, community, and country. We strive to encourage individuals to find their purpose and join the movement to uplift and sustain our lives and our country. 

MEET THE TEAM

Adelson - "I used to participate in my social committee to be an example at church. I am on the committee because it is a good thing and helping to fulfill the big dream."

Darline - "I am happy because I like working on a team and to learn new things from the committee."

Gerald - "Even though I am shy, the committee helps me to put myself out there when they have events."

Mano - "I like being on the committee because we all work together. I am more serious, and would not be here if it wasn't a good thing. And the committee helps me to relax and be included."

Cassan - "It feels good to be on the committee and each time we have a meeting together, it makes me feel happy to be a part of it." *Our self proclaimed gather-er / rally-er of people and making sure that everyone is included*

Guerdy - (President) - "I like to be working. I spend a lot of time here for work and helping with the committee. I am encouraged to be here even when it is a lot of work because it is a good thing for everyone. I want the committee to be long lasting and building for the future to follow in our example."

Widlene - "I am known as 'pa ka pa la" (paraphrased, the social butterfly and involved in everything). I like social activities, and specifically the cooking side. The jewelry ladies chose me to be on the committee and I am happy because I want to be a good representation for them."

Jerry - "HDC in action has changed a lot of things in me. I like it because the projects are big. HDC in action will go far, it will impact our community. It changed me because I participate in the programs. We do this because we love it, and it is something that helps us all. Little by little we have more ideas that bring us together." 

Faby - "I enjoy being on the committee because it gives me the chance to get to know my coworkers better."

Fabienne - "I like being on the committee because I am planning things that are outside of my everyday job. It is something that is for the country, and our community and I am participating in things that are helping my people in a social way, in a different way. The investment I make in my people is not something that I can be paid for and that is why i take pride in it. I am proud to do it, it makes me more invested in Haiti Design Co-op because it is different than what businesses usually do." 

We are very proud of the HDC IN ACTION team, and are so thankful for the way they are able to impact the community around them. We can not wait to see where they go, and what they do in the coming years. Follow along, more updated to come! 

Orevwa!

-the HDC team