Over the past 30 years, the Haitian government and the international community have largely failed in Haiti. Poverty, corruption, illness are all part of the story. Rebuilding (or should I say building?) the country will require new approaches.

At NetHope, we have seen the innovative use of information and communication technology (ICT) make a real difference in the developing world. ICT can be used to support health, education, economic development and conservation -- telemedicine, distance learning, epayments, mapping for deforestation are all well within reach.

ICT solutions are needed to facilitate the rebuilding of Haiti, but there is a serious shortage of ICT professionals in the country.

To remedy this shortage, the NetHope Academy is launching an intern program that will give Haitian computer science students an opportunity to get on-the-job training while working for humanitarian organizations and corporations. Haiti is no different than anywhere else. It’s hard to get hired if you don’t have any work experience. The NetHope Academy can help, but we need your support.

If you want to learn more and ways to help go to www.nethope.org/academy And tell your friends!