What started as an unused and overgrown section of land on the property of REBUILD Globally (a Haiti Communitere partner organization) has now become the space for a street boy community garden. HC volunteers Stacey Cooper and Sierra Dunn are spearheading the project along with boys John (“Boot”), Givenson, Jameson (“Baka”), Gideson, Jean Rony, and Dorlens. The boys range in age from 9 to 15 years.

The boys look forward to their Saturdays and time after school when they can help with the garden. They learn how to plant seeds, create and develop sustainable gardening techniques such as repurposing materials for growing herbs and trees, and how to work as a team. One particular project involves using plastic bottles as planters, Prestige bottle caps for washers, and scrap metal to anchor the garden to create a beautiful hanging herb garden.

When asked what they wanted to name the garden, the boys decided on “Jaden Tout Moun” — Creole for “Everybody’s Garden”. The garden is really moving along. An irrigation system has been installed, and future projects include raised cement and tire beds, a chicken coop, tool shed, veggie compost, picnic and seating areas, and a salsa garden.