Augustin Benito is 71 years old. Originally from Port-de-Paix, he has lived in Lascahobas since 1997, where he moved in search of a better life. The father of nine children—five of whom are still alive—he has spent much of his life working to provide for his family.
“As for me, I’ve always struggled. I didn’t have anyone to help me,” he says.
For several years, Augustin worked as a baker. He had no formal training in the trade. He learned on the job, over time, until it became his main source of income. This work allowed him to provide for himself and contribute to his children’s education.
He says he has always placed great importance on his role as a father. Despite the difficulties, he wanted his children to be able to go to school and get ahead in life. But for about five years now, his health has been declining. His physical limitations now prevent him from working as he used to.
“I’ve always done what I could for my little ones. But since I got sick and became weak, I can’t take care of them the same way anymore.” ”
Augustin hasn’t worked since 2020. This loss of income has profoundly affected his financial situation. He lives alone and often relies on help from others to meet his most basic needs. Some days, he wakes up with no money and has to wait several hours before finding something to eat.
Beyond his material hardships, Augustin also speaks of the burden of loneliness. He explains that he often keeps his problems to himself, not always finding someone to confide in.
Yet, despite his age, illness, and precarious circumstances, Augustin continues to define himself by his responsibilities. His story is not merely that of a man facing loss of income and isolation. It is also the story of a father who is still trying to stay on his feet and do something meaningful with the support he receives.
It was through a friend that he heard about the support project run by Zanmi Lasante in Lascahobas. On that friend’s advice, he decided to apply, though he wasn’t sure he would be selected. He explains that he welcomed this opportunity as a significant source of help at a time when his needs had become harder to meet.
As part of this FAES-funded project, Augustin received a medical consultation and food assistance. For him, this aid represents more than just immediate support. It also gives him the opportunity to consider a small business venture suited to his current situation.
What particularly excites him is the prospect of receiving a small amount of capital that he can use to restart a business. He knows that his health no longer allows him to take on physically demanding work. But he still knows about bread, the bread business, and the value of a simple venture that can generate a steady income.
“I’m going to start a bread selling business”
For Augustin, the goal isn’t to spend the money quickly but to use it as a starting point. He wants to create a small source of income that can help him meet his daily needs with greater independence. He also mentions the possibility, in the future, of buying a goat or a pig if his business allows him to save a little.
This support will not put an end to all his difficulties. Augustin still faces health problems, isolation, and a precarious economic situation. But he sees this as an opportunity to regain some control over his daily life. At his age, he isn’t looking to start all over again. He’s looking to carry on with the resources he has.
His message to other fathers is rooted in his own journey. For him, parental responsibility remains important, even when living conditions are difficult. He reminds us that a father must continue to find ways to support his children to the best of his ability.
Augustin shows that social support can open up a concrete possibility when illness, age, and financial insecurity limit one’s options. For him, selling bread isn’t just a business idea. It’s a way to stay active, useful, and dignified despite the limitations imposed by his situation.
For Augustin, this support doesn’t solve everything. It does, however, allow him to resume a small activity suited to his abilities and regain a little more independence in his daily life.