Coup de Main literally translated means “a strike of the hand”. It is a common practice in Haiti where if someone in a community needs a job doing e.g building or repairing a house, everybody comes together for a day to lend a hand. In exchange for their labour the person receiving the help provides a meal for everyone who has come along to help. This practice promotes interdependent relationships community building and ensures that everyone including the most vulnerable are cared for and fed. It is helping people to help themselves.

The project is being set up to aid the residents of Jacmel on the Southern coast of Haiti where 91% of homes and schools were completely destroyed by the recent earthquake. The aim is to provide funds to buy building materials so that the community can be supported to rebuild their lives. One of the most important factors in the healing of psychological trauma is that people are encouraged to take control of their lives.

The project has been set up and is overseen by Rev. Margaret Jordan a Clinical Social Worker and Psychologist who has had involvement with Haiti for the past two years. Because of the scale of the current disaster, she is seeking to register the project as a charity in order to expand it and raise more funds for the rebuilding of 2 schools and homes in Jacmel. Your donations and pledges of donations would be most appreciated. We are in the process of building a website where we can keep you updated on our progress. For further details, please contact Margaret on 01582 493724 or 07879242779

email: coup_de_main@btinternet.com

With grateful thanks

Margaret