Summary:
Extollo International is committed to empowering Haitians through construction skills training, and a recent trip to Haiti reinforced that commitment more than ever. Extollo President, Keith, and Founder, Sherman, returned from a productive January visit to Haiti, connecting with key partners and laying the groundwork for exciting new developments. From strengthening relationships with our Holistic Haitian Alliance (HHA) partners and local vendors to exploring a potential second site for our operations, this trip was a significant step forward in our mission. Join us as we share highlights from their time on the ground.
Good to be back together.
Haiti General Manager, Junior, picked up Sherman and Keith at the airport, and the three of them headed to Deep River Mission (DRM) - their base for their time in Haiti. It was great for Keith and Sherman to be with Junior again in person. Connecting over Zoom, even multiple times a week over a two-year span, still does not replace the importance of being together in person for camaraderie, morale building, and cultivating leadership. The same is true for all of the staff team!
Partners in Progress: The Work of New Roots Haiti
The team visited Nick Stolberg, Founder and Director of New Roots Haiti. Nick and his wife, Nikki, established New Roots Haiti eight years ago in a small rural village about 90 minutes south of Cap-Haitien. Their organization is involved in a diverse range of initiatives, all focused on maximizing value for the local community. The scope of their work is truly impressive, and includes:
A poultry farm (the foundation of New Roots) providing high-quality, free-range chicken to hotels and upscale restaurants, along with pork ranching.
A chicken feed production facility utilizing locally grown corn, sourced from farmers initially supported by New Roots through seed provision and training. Nick continues to assist these farmers by providing free tractor services for plowing, disking, and seeding their fields.
Production of affordable drinking water, sold at significantly below market rates.
A large school/community center, featuring a pre-school that Sherman is exploring collaboration opportunities with Celebration Center.
A dental clinic equipped with three procedure rooms and a state-of-the-art panoramic x-ray machine – the only one of its kind in northern Haiti.
A solar power generation company that installs systems for commercial clients (NGOs, businesses) and sells them the power generated. This is Nick's latest venture, funded by a Canadian investor. During a trip to China to source solar equipment, Nick also arranged for the production and import of the first-ever toothpaste branded in Haitian Creole.
The team was absolutely blown away by what they witnessed at New Roots. Nick's entrepreneurial drive and Nikki's passion for education were truly inspiring. It's clear why Nick is so well-known and respected as a key resource in the region. Keith and Nick have previously discussed potential collaborations between New Roots and Extollo once our operations are established in the Cap-Haitien area.
Sourcing Quality Materials: A Visit to LaRoche/Industrie Mazere
A key objective of the trip was to identify reliable sources for quality concrete inputs in the Cap-Haitien area. Following a recommendation from Nick Stolberg, the team visited LaRoche/Industrie Mazere, an aggregates supplier. Finding suitable materials is crucial for our construction training program, so the team was eager to assess the options available.
Keith and Sherman were immediately impressed. The quality of the aggregates (sand and gravel) was excellent, as was the CMU/concrete block produced at LaRoche. Sherman's positive assessment of the materials provided the confirmation we were seeking. Furthermore, LaRoche assured their ability to deliver materials to our new location.
A Center for Growth: Visiting HHA and Celebrating a Milestone
Following the visit to LaRoche, the team drove approximately 45 minutes to Holistic Haitian Alliance (HHA) to meet with Debbie, Founder of HHA, tour the facilities, inspect the vocational training center, and participate in its grand opening ceremony.
HHA's 40-acre site encompasses a diverse range of facilities, including a primary school, an orphanage, youth housing for those who have aged out of the orphanage, a church, and now, a secondary school and the newly inaugurated vocational training school.
The grand opening ceremony was a joyous occasion, and Junior, Sherman, and Keith each had the opportunity to address the audience. The attendees included local civic and business leaders, as well as the children from HHA’s school – some of whom will soon be eligible to participate in Extollo training programs.
Understanding Community Needs: Insights from Local Residents
To ensure Extollo's housing designs effectively meet the needs of the communities we serve, Keith, Sherman and Junior visited local neighborhoods to listen directly to the people. They conducted informal interviews with residents in several housing developments, engaging in real conversations with those who are most impacted by these designs. A stop at a barbershop provided an opportunity to engage with a group of young adults in their 20s and 30s, gathering valuable feedback on their current homes and our proposed designs.
Join the Crew!
The vast majority of our students are unable to afford Extollo's high-quality vocational training. As a community of advocates, CREW members provide financial support to ambitious men and women who are elevating their careers, their families, and their communities.
Each student at Extollo is required to pay a portion of their course fee. Based on an amount that fits their monthly budget, CREW members commit to covering the remaining cost of the student's education through scholarships. We're looking for more people to join the crew so that we can increase our impact in Haiti.
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