My name is Dorcilus. I have been a participant of a Purpose Group in Cornillon for 4 years. I am very happy and proud to talk about my wonderful experience with Plant With Purpose. In fact, I did not have the opportunity to go to an agriculture school before, but thanks to the training in soil conservation techniques, tree nursery, composting, grafting, and natural pesticides that I received from Plant With Purpose, I do feel very proud to consider myself a capable agriculture technician. It is delightful for me to stand under the trees that I planted on my first farm when it is raining and observe that the light rain cannot spray me, so dense is the tree cover on my farm. That is why, this quarter, thanks to the encouragement and instruction I received from Plant With Purpose staff, I have been devoted to planting about 2,000 trees close to this beautiful farm in other areas to create more impact in Haiti.

Pierre’s connection to the land deepened after joining a Purpose Group. “I am a steward of creation,” he shares. Through Plant With Purpose, he learned reforestation techniques and how to manage loans, helping him improve his farm and grow a business reselling animals. His leadership as a forest guardian inspired his community to join efforts in environmental restoration. “Now, the environment matters to all of us,” Pierre reflects. His story shows how restoring the land also restores relationships.

Nathalie’s life changed after joining a Purpose Group through Community Designed Restoration (CDR). “I have respect for trees, and I plant a lot because I am very concerned about erosion,” she shares. Learning soil conservation, natural pesticides, and grafting helped her improve her farm and income. With savings and loans from her Purpose Group, Nathalie now pays for her children's school and invests in her business. “I feel empowered to take care of my family,” she says. Her role as a leader inspires others to care for their land and community.