As you have been seeing lately, last weekend there was a big, happy four-day-long festival at the Gwo Mache’ Mirak (marketplace) in celebration of Labor and Agriculture Day (May Day) in Haiti.

Most of Haiti’s economy is based on agriculture, so this annual celebration is very important to the Haitian people. The Agricultural Training Center (ATC) had a nice display and exhibit at the marketplace alongside Farmer John’s Abatwa (slaughterhouse and butcher shop), which had a nice and effective display of what they provide for the community.

There were many activities during the event at the Grand Miracle Market to celebrate and highlight the importance of Labor and Agriculture. One of the days, Wilner represented the ATC by giving a big presentation on our sustainable agriculture programs to many school students and community participants interested in the independence they can have by having their own gardens. Wilner talked about the origins of the May Day holiday, which celebrates the importance of agriculture in Haiti. He talked about where the holiday came from and contrasted “old school” practices and their unintended negative impacts on the environment with the benefits of “sustainable” gardening and farming practices that we teach and demonstrate at the ATC.

After Wilner’s presentation, he asked the students and attendees some questions about what they learned from his presentation.  Those who got the right answers received gifts in front of everyone. We were very proud of Wilner and his team for their nice exhibits of many agricultural products produced at the ATC.

It was truly a magnificent day that surely glorified God, and we thank Him for His Blessings during the celebration.

Thank you to Dieuferly and all the guys who worked so hard to put on the great event.

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director