Pathway to a Better Life in Haiti

Fonkoze's graduation approach for poverty alleviation

By: Steven Werlin

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Pathway to a Better Life in Haiti tells the powerful story of Fondasyon Kole Zepòl (Fonkoze), whose name means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Haitian Creole, and their unwavering commitment to local women and families living in extreme poverty.

This book offers a deeply human look into how Fonkoze made the bold decision to target extreme poverty at its roots and adopted a program tailored to lift families out of it—permanently. Through evolving strategies and hard-earned lessons, and with compelling, firsthand accounts from women who have walked this journey, the book brings to life the resilience, courage, and transformations that define the Fonkoze approach.

As the world continues to pursue the United Nations' goal of eradicating extreme poverty, Shoulder to Shoulder stands as both a blueprint and a call to action. The path is long, but Fonkoze has shown that change is not only possible—it’s already happening.

'Based on personal experiences and interactions with powerful women and valued colleagues, Pathway to a Better Life in Haiti offers an incisive and honest account of the pioneering efforts of Fonkoze to address extreme poverty in Haiti. Werlin’s deep knowledge of the organisation’s ever-evolving approach conveys the importance of listening, learning, and changing course accordingly. A must read for anyone interested in the practice of poverty alleviation!'
Dr Keetie Roelen, Senior Research Fellow in Poverty and Social Protection and Co-Deputy Director at the Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD) in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) at the Open University, UK

'Steven Werlin’s 'Pathway to a Better Life in Haiti' offers a profoundly human and hopeful portrayal of how Fonkoze’s graduation approach transforms lives amid extreme poverty. With clarity and compassion, Werlin’s storytelling gives voice to those rising from entrenched poverty, revealing their courage and resilience — making this book an inspiring call to action.'
Aude de Montesquiou, VP Economic Inclusion, Trickle up and Senior Advisor at BRAC Institute for Governance and Development and the World Bank

'In 'Pathway to a Better Life in Haiti', Steven Werlin chronicles a great Haitian success story: the inception and seventeen-year refinement of Fonkoze’s CLM program, which has provided a staircase out of ultra-poverty for ten thousand families, and counting. Werlin reminds us that supporting the most vulnerable on their journey out of ultra-poverty is not quick or easy work, yet Fonkoze has shown that if we accompany those we aim to serve while empowering them to facilitate their own transformation, the results can be stunning.
At a time when new thinking and more sustainable approaches are needed globally, this important work should be included in conversations around poverty, as it provides a blueprint for those in the development community seeking to support vulnerable populations facing the most dire circumstances.'
Gerald Oriol, Jr., Haiti's Former Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities, and Executive Director of Fondation J’Aime Haïti

'Steven Werlin is a gifted writer who gives voice to these women and their families as they struggle to escape poverty. I encourage you to read this book — it will leave you deeply grateful for all that you have.'
Anne Hastings, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the University of Fondwa USA, Inc