Biography

Rose-Marie Chierci, a native born Haitian, was determined to find a way to improve health, education and economic development opportunities in Borgne, a northern coastal region of Haiti. Despite the fact that her family was forced to leave the country when her father was exiled for being an outspoken proponent for social justice and freedom of the press, she returned and co-founded Haiti Outreach-Pwoje Espwa (H.O.P.E.), Haitian Creole for “Project Hope.” Rose-Marie became a Local Hero, working with U.S. volunteers and local Haitian residents to improve life in Borgne for the 80,000 people who live there, the majority of whom are unemployed and live on less than $1 a day. With H.O.P.E came trained teachers and healthcare providers, both sorely needed in this area of the country. Rose-Marie is widely recognized for her insights into grassroots development work. She always works with respect for people, their culture and understands their need for dignity and self-sufficiency. H.O.P.E.'s ethics are rooted in these same values. 

Focusing on Haiti's rural resource deficient communities, H.O.P.E. treats over 35,000 patients a year through mobile clinics and the community hospital in Fond la Grange, teaches literacy to 400 children through their Mobile School and supports the local economy by fostering and funding sustainable business ventures operated by Haitians. Following the 2010 earthquake, H.O.P.E. was instrumental in mobilizing a medical team, medical supplies, clean water and shelter to the thousands of survivors fleeing Port-au-Prince.