Communities Organizing for Haitian Engagement and Development (COFHED)

Overview

Communities Organizing for Haitian Engagement and Development (COFHED) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in Haiti. It operates under the principle of community-led development, where local communities are supported to envision and implement their own socioeconomic initiatives.

Mission

COFHED's mission is to partner with rural communities in Haiti, particularly in the mountains of southern Haiti, to help them discover, create, and realize their own vision of lasting socioeconomic development. The organization envisions a Haiti where every person is valued and recognized as a contributing citizen, with marginalized community members empowered as agents of change.

Approach

COFHED's approach places radical trust in partner communities, allowing them to set their own priorities, timelines, and strategies for community-led initiatives. This model emphasizes self-empowerment, where Haitians are encouraged to take charge of transforming their communities and lives.

Values

The organization believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being and their capacity to contribute positively to their community. It emphasizes partnering with communities rather than imposing external solutions, thereby fostering community-led development.

Impact

COFHED works to foster a lasting impact in Haitian communities by empowering them to be agents of their own transformation. This approach focuses on building sustainable solutions from within the communities themselves.

Evaluation

Communities Organizing for Haitian Engagement and Development has been reviewed by Charity Navigator, receiving a 2/4-star rating. The organization's approach is centered on empowering local communities, which aligns with international best practices for sustainable development.

Activities

While specific details of COFHED's current projects and achievements are not extensively documented in available sources, its core mission and approach suggest a strong commitment to grassroots development in Haiti. The organization's focus on marginalized communities in the mountains of southern Haiti underscores its dedication to improving socioeconomic conditions through community engagement and empowerment.