Curt

Curt has long been concerned with the plight of less fortunate people living in third world countries, where food, clothing, housing, good water, and medical attention are always in short supply.  He serves as chair of the Service and Mission Committee at Ezekiel Lutheran Church in River Falls, WI, a committee that concerns itself with these issues. 

In his retirement he has lead an ecumenical group of River Falls churches, in cooperation with Food for the Poor, on two projects in Haiti.  Since there is a 66 per cent unemployment rate in Haiti, they have focused on fundraising only, leaving the actual construction work to provide jobs for Haitian workers.  Haiti was chosen since Haitians represent the “poorest of the poor”, at least in the western hemisphere. 

The first project involved the funding of 25 houses and the necessary toilet facilities.  Each 12’ x 24’ house is built of concrete blocks and has two rooms and a small porch.  This “village” lies within the village of Ganthier, Haiti, and was dedicated in 2004.

The second project, to build a small elementary school in Ganthier, is still in progress.  The first floor and the security wall surrounding the property are completed and were dedicated in March 2008.  Grades one through six are currently being taught in the new building.  Funding is complete for the school toilet facilities.  Yet to be funded for the school project are a water cistern, playground improvements, and a second story.  Eventually a third floor can be added as funds permit.

A project in sustainable jetropha farming is currently being planned for the Ganthier area.  There is much land around Ganthier that is not suitable for farming food crops, but will be fine for growing jetropha.  Jetropha is a weed plant, the seeds of which yield biodiesel.  This project holds much promise for providing economic growth and for replication in Ganthier and many other areas in Haiti.