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Dr. Donald McKnight, Jr.
A native of Pittsburgh who grew up in Brooklyn, Don is the eldest of eight children. After opting for a career in ER medicine, he thought that there was no medical situation too great or alarming for him to tackle - until he went to Haiti. At the time, Don’s uncle, an activist priest in the Holy Ghost order, was approached by Father Joseph Philippe, Fonkoze’s founder, to help further sustainable development in Fondwa.
The Asosyasyon Peyizan Fondwa (APF), or Peasant Association of Fondwa, was founded by Father Joseph in 1988. APF is a grantee of Fonkoze USA and is located in a remote valley not far from Jacmel.
APF is a peasant membership organization with a goal to empower the people of Fondwa and their neighbors to assume responsibility for their own lives in their rural communities. APF has numerous ongoing projects which include a local school, a health clinic, agricultural and reforestation projects, a radio station, and an orphanage.
Don has returned to Haiti every year since his first trip, often accompanied by his brother who is also a physician. Despite the lush and beautiful surroundings, this is no vacation for them as throughout the week they treat local patients, mostly children, with a variety of illnesses.
Don credits his experience in Haiti for balancing his approach to life in general. He continues to provide regular support to Fatima House, the orphanage in Fondwa, which hugely impacted him during his first trip.
“It’s one thing to give once, it’s another to structure this into your life; only then can you see the rewards”
This year, Dr. McKnight began yet another chapter in his relationship with Fondwa by sponsoring the education of Loulou, one of Fondwa’s promising youth, at the University of Fondwa (UNIF). UNIF, the latest of Father Joseph’s ventures, was established in 2004 with the objective of providing higher practical education to the rural youth of Haiti.
Don believes that Fondwa is an exemplary community in Haiti that will serve as a leader for community development for other provinces. Don’s uncle, Fr. McKnight, who has also been a long time supporter, is planning to retire in Fondwa later this year!
Article by: Cassandre Théano