Haiti made history in 1804. It became the world's first black-led republic and the first Caribbean state to achieve independence. But, however inspiring its beginnings, today Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas. Its average income is just over one dollar a day and life expectancy is only 52 years, if that. 123 of every 1,000 children die before their fifth birthday. 48 percent of those over 15 years old cannot read or write. 6.5 percent of the population is infected with HIV/AIDS, and the deforestation rate is an astounding 97 percent.

These conditions present Haiti with a historic opportunity. At all levels and in all sectors of society, men and women must step up to the challenge of providing competent, ethical and transformational leadership; taking charge of their lives and their communities, and setting in motion action for a new future of education, health and prosperity.

And they can. Every year Haiti's people show more resilience and courage in the face of their enormous challenges than many of us do in a lifetime.

Both FONDETHA and the Patrick J. Smyth Foundation have joined forces to unleash this tremendous leadership potential. They invite all those committed to Haiti's future to join them.