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Louis Dorvilier
Louis Dorvilier is an economist, social entrepreneur, and human rights activist who resides in the Dubuque, Iowa area in United States. LOD215
Louis has dedicated his life to human-centered humanitarian response and community development. Through approaches focus on design thinking allowing people affected by poverty to think beyond their confined boundaries, capacity building that builds on local ownership and strength, he enabled women and men in many places in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean Islands, Latin-America, and poor communities in United States to design innovative programs and implement economic initiatives that deepen human resiliency and awaken people's imagination.
Today, Louis continues to walk with God's people that are facing poverty around the world. His commitment to community development, women ownership of the ponds and the rods, education of young girls, value chain and market access for agriculture products, entrepreneurship and economic livelihoods supported by micro-finance led him to the most remote, yet amazing and beautiful parts of the world.
His encounters with people in these many places make him cognizant of their culture, history, customs, traditions, heritage and bring him an understanding of human conditions in context. Through his love of photography, he reveals the best part and the untold stories of these places that he invites you to uncover.
He is fluent in Creole, English, French, and Spanish. He possesses a good working knowledge of Wolof, Italian and Portuguese.
Louis can be reached at: lod215@yahoo.com, via Skype at: louis565 or leave him a comment and he will get back to you.
Travel Blog Posts
February 1st 2011
I visited Source Zabeth which is one of the important echo system of Haiti. The source is located in the village of Bonnette, near Ganthier. The echo park that was refurbished thanks to a contribution of the European Union extends over three hectares. Nearly 300 plants and species are listed in this location. Besides flora, this site also has a unique fauna. Several varieties of fish derived. A trans-border program on environmental protection between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, funded by the European Union (EU), is under way on this site. The goal of this program is to turn this site into a more attractive echo tourist destination. Culturally, this site has great importance for the adept of the Voodoo religion. They contribute significantly to the protection of trees in this region. Leaders of the Protestant ... read more
January 18th 2009
Dakar, located at the extreme point west of the Atlantic ocean, is one of the largest cities of Senegal. Dakar, like many colonial cities such Cap-Haitian, Jamaica, Guadeloupe or Martinique, made the glorious days of the Trans-Atlantic trade and later the slave trade, which began in the middle of 16th century. Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is today one of the most cosmopolitan city in West Africa and a place for many to learn about human resistance to oppression and slavery and also to gain a needed perspective on the Islamic faith. Like many foreigners, I made my pilgrimage to Goree Island. With this visit, I paid my respect to the fallen heroes of the slave trade that the Portuguese initiated around 1530's and later culminated with the French extensive colonial presence in the region. ... read more
June 6th 2008
This is the puzzling question that I often get from friends and partners in ministry. My closest friends who know me as a rational individual, a passionate development practitioner, and an advocate for global justice would put it bluntly this way: “we know that you are an ELCA missionary in West Africa; so what exactly you do?” We understood what you did in the past but we are at lost with “this fostering relationship”. I don't do... I walk with people. We live in an era of changing role for missionaries where lay people like me is being called and sent by the church to serve in various capacities. My church is very active in mission work, in teaching, preaching, and healing ministries for sake of the Gospel. The makeup of our involvement has changed. Missionaries ... read more
May 22nd 2008
The Republic of Cameroon, located in the heart of Africa at the cross points of West and Central Africa, is full of mystery, tales, and stories. Cameroon is one of the oldest countries in Africa. The creation of what is now Cameroon remounts to 8000 BC and was considered as a meeting point of cultures, ethnic groups and peoples. The country is blessed with miles of cost line, beautiful beaches and gorgeous mountains and picks, rain forest and waterfalls, and wildlife and savannas. Modern day Cameroon started in 1472 with the arrival of the slave traders and colonial masters known as the Portuguese explorers. Their boats took them to the top of the Wouri River which they named Rio dos Camaroes, hence giving the country its actual name. Travel in West Africa is an enormous challenge ... read more
April 28th 2008
I returned from my trip to Liberia where I visited Bong and Lofa Counties and attended the 13th biannual convention of the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Each time I visit Liberia, I am amazed by the vitality and ingenuity of the Liberian people. The country is recovering slowly but a lot remains untoched. It was quite an experience celebrating the 13th bi-annual convention of the Lutheran Church in LIberia where Bishop Sumoward Harris was reelected by a large vote of confidence. For the occasion, the LCL received delagations from Sweden headed by the Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, from Danemark, Germany and the USA. Prior to the convention, the LCL gathered all the partners in mission and we all celebrated the accomplishments of the past years and the hope for mission and ministries in Liberia ... read more
Zebrabar, a charming campground!
Published: April 6th 2008Africa » Senegal » Saint-Louis Region » Saint-Louis
April 6th 2008
Visit of Zebrabar on Easter Vacations with Family Members! We visited Zebrabar, a charming place, which invites to excursion and discoveries. Located about 20 kilometers off Saint Louis, Zebrabar is an oasis of peace and kids friendly vacation spot in Senegal. Its proximity to the Langue de Barbarie National Park and "Isles aux Oiseaux" makes it an attractive campground for parents with children and a place of encounter with nature. The place combines birds’ park, white sand beaches, salt water for surfing, fishing, and fresh water for kayaking and windsurfing, and a people friendly and welcoming community. Zebrabar, own by a Swiss couple, is built on the shoreline of the Senegal River. In the early afternoon, the Senegal River displays one of the most beautiful exhibitions that nature graciously offers. The dance and singing of ... read more
Seven Companions on the Road to CAR
Published: April 4th 2008Africa » Central African Republic » West » Bouar
April 4th 2008
From February 15-26, 2008; I embarked in the challenging enterprise of facilitating a leadership travel for three companion synods. Six faithful but season travelers from Texas Louisiana Golf Cost, Western North Dakota and Eastern-North Dakota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America responded to the “CAR 2,000 Challenge”. The challenge consisted in crossing 2,000 kms (1,000 each way) on dirt road from Douala (Cameroon) to Bouar (West of CAR); defying all odds, security risk and possible harassment at border crossing point to arrive on time at the dedication of both the women center and the newly renovated church in Bouar. To make the challenge more attractive, we also need to fit at least 8 people with their luggage and carry-on(s) in a Toyota Prado; stay healthy while responding to hospitality; visiting most of the Evangelical ... read more
March 22nd 2008
Dakar is a place of wonders. With relative stability, peace and security, the city has become one of the safest places in West Africa for the last decade. Gifted with coastal line and beautiful white sand beaches, great French restaurants, a booming social life, opportunities for surfing, and a tolerant Islam have made of Dakar one of the most hospitable destinations in the region. Dakar is culturally diverse, politically stable and very "Teranga" (welcoming). The cosmopolitan aspect of the city invites to curiosity and discovery. Nevertheless, the old and the new Dakar live in contrast and cohabitate with great difficulty. The advent of new infrastructures like roads, hotels, and housing development has created impetus for the rich to buy new cars and other luxurious toys. The gap between poor and rich is becoming more apparent and ... read more
March 22nd 2008
From January 15-27, 2008; I visited Liberia with my friends and colleagues The Rev. Twila Schock and The Rev. Rodger Prois of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I am grateful for their leadership and commitment to God’s mission in the world. I am equally thankful for the opportunity that I had to meet, share and walk with the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Through the LCL ministries of health, education, HIV/AIDS, trauma healing, urban ministries, peace and reconciliation, and word and sacrament ministries, I had a glimpse of the joy and challenges of the church leadership in ministry. Liberia, West African country located in the golf of Guinea, struggles to recover from the civil war which lasted for more than a decade. Liberia has an area of 111,370 sq km and a population estimated at 3 ... read more
March 21st 2008
ELCSL: A Beacon Light In The Community From September 19 to 28, 2007; I visited Sierra Leone and met with the leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone, to review the mission and priorities of the church, and learn the best way to accompany the ELCSL in mission. During this visit, I stopped at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC) which is one of the 16 congregations of ELCSL. The Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church and school is located at Up Mountain Peak Cock Farm, Wellington, Sierra Leone. Overlooking the city of Freetown from the Up Peak Mountain, the Calvary church embodies literally the Good News that we found in the 5th chapter of the Gospel of Mathew (see Mathew 5: 14-16 -NIV). The CELC is a beacon light in this community of about 2,000 peoples. ... read more
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