HBCU Writers's Project
For Immediate Release
November 13, 2010
Contact Information

Bryna Reid
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

(BPRW) PROJECT BETA ALPHA - GOAT FARM INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS IN HAITI

(BLACK PR WIRE/FAMU-TALLAHASSEE) – For the United to Believe Foundation, Haiti relief efforts are of primary concern, and thanks to newly developed goat farms, that mission is being realized. The non-profit organization is partnering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Beta Alpha Chapter as well as Service Energie Renouvelable for “Project Beta Alpha” – an initiative to raise monies for renewable energy lighting systems and improve the living conditions of residents in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

“For the people in Haiti, their day starts when the sun comes up and ends when the sun goes down. There’s no visibility once the daylight is gone,” said Joelle Stanford, co-founder of U2B and undergraduate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. “We believe renewable energy is a way to rebuild the country and enhance the daily lives of these residents.”

Beta Alpha will donate money to start the goat farm. Six families from selected goat farms will then be relocated to a plot where the goats will be raised and eventually sold. The profit from the monies will fund renewable lighting systems for tent farms where hundreds of Haitians reside. These tents are aimed at extending the daily productivity of the Haitian people and decrease sexual violence in their community. There are about 200 located on each site.

“This project will introduce and raise awareness of the overwhelming need for support that is currently available for vulnerable families in Haiti,” said Carol Coupet, founder and CEO of U2B. Profit per goat is estimated at $200. Each renewable energy lighted tent costs $1000. Tents are 30x30 feet and will include benches, solar panels with a backup battery, recreational games and lighting near bathrooms.

“We want to continuously fund more and more tents – and ultimately more plots.” Stanford says. Coordinators intend to expand their efforts beyond lighting, eventually incorporating programs that teach healthy living, food production skills as well as training in self-reliance and environmentally sound agriculture.