Beyond Travel Partners: Community Stewardship and Empowerment

The CES program seeks to build the capacity of vulnerable groups and community partners to develop local and sustainable solutions to meet the challenges of an ever changing world. Volunteers work hand in hand with community partners, namely small scale farmers, girls groups, youth, and women.

Along-side their community partners, volunteers use their skills and know-how to devise and implement projects that integrate principals of environmental and community stewardship in efforts to combat hunger, improve access to health, education and economic opportunity. Projects can range from assist-ing a farmers association develop a business plan for increased revenue to devising a set of games and activities to teach conservation to children.

The CES program welcomes volunteers each season for one week. Volunteers are based in the rural community of Marbial, close to the historical town of Jacmel. Time is divided with working on community projects , exploring local sites and engaging in cultural activities.