Help Build Change Empower Women
for a Safer Tomorrow
Mirlande Overcomes Adversity and Creates Opportunity
In just seconds, Mirlande Joseph's house crumbled from the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. Her house was uninhabitable, so she and her niece had to live in a tent. The conditions were miserable, especially during the rains.
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Mirlande's living quarters after
the earthquake in Haiti. |
Mirlande explains, "That's not a way to live. Every time it rained, it was a major problem for my niece and me. As females, it was hard for us to shower and get dressed as we were out in the open. We didn't have access to a kitchen either. It was extremely difficult for us to live under the tent. That is why I finally decided that the time had come for me to do something to get us out of those horrible living conditions."
She decided to rebuild on a small parcel of land she owned. She didn't know much about proper housing construction techniques or what she would need. Fortunately, she met a Build Change engineer who told her about Build Change's technical assistance support services. These services would help her develop the skills she needed to oversee the reconstruction process to ensure she had a safe, earthquake-resistant house.
Build Change Empowers Mirlande to Rebuild Safely and Protect Her Family
Build Change taught Mirlande how to select a safe design and good-quality materials, how to monitor the construction process and how to properly dig for the house's foundation, lay blocks and bend rebar. By taking charge and overseeing the reconstruction process, Mirlande is confident she and her niece now live in a safe, earthquake-resistant house. She exclaims, "I've been enjoying this experience so much that I've been thinking about becoming a construction professional myself!"
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Build Change teaches Mirlande
about earthquake-safe
construction techniques.
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Build Change understands the critical role women play in protecting and rebuilding their communities after disasters. Build Change not only empowers women to take control of the situation, but also promotes opportunities for women in developing countries to enter into good professional careers like engineering, construction, management and other technical professions.
Help Build Change Create More Opportunities for Women
With a gift to Build Change today, you can help support more women like Mirande be a visible force of resilience in protecting their communities from future disasters. Please donate now.
On behalf of Build Change, thank you for your support!
Elizabeth Hausler Strand
Founder and CEO
P.S. Please forward this message to your family, friends and co-workers so they, too, can help create opportunities for women in developing countries.
