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The Development Set

Some thoughts to keep with you.

The Development Set by Ross Coggins


Excuse me, friends, I must catch my jet I’m off to join the Development Set; My bags are packed, and I’ve had all my shots I have traveller’s checks and pills for the trots!
 The Development Set is bright and noble Our thoughts are deep and our vision global; Although we move with the better classes Our thoughts are always with the masses.
In Sheraton Hotels in scattered nations We damn multi-national corporations; injustice seems easy to protest In such seething hotbeds of social rest.
We discuss malnutrition over steaks And plan hunger talks during coffee breaks. Whether Asian floods or African drought, We face each issue with open mouth.
We bring in consultants whose circumlocution Raises difficulties for every solution – Thus guaranteeing continued good eating By showing the need for another meeting.
The language of the Development Set Stretches the English alphabet; We use swell words like “epigenetic” “Micro”, “macro”, and “logarithmetic”
It pleasures us to be esoteric – It’s so intellectually atmospheric! And although establishments may be unmoved, Our vocabularies are much improved.
When the talk gets deep and you’re feeling numb, You can keep your shame to a minimum: To show that you, too, are intelligent Smugly ask, “Is it really development?”
Or say, “That’s fine in practice, but don’t you see: It doesn’t work out in theory!” A few may find this incomprehensible, But most will admire you as deep and sensible.
Development set homes are extremely chic, Full of carvings, curios, and draped with batik. Eye-level photographs subtly assure That your host is at home with the great and the poor.
Enough of these verses – on with the mission! Our task is as broad as the human condition! Just pray god the biblical promise is true: The poor ye shall always have with you.


Haiti 2010

Watch Me

Living Conditions In Haiti

Living conditions in a slum in Port-au-Prince. The mother stands (right in the photo) looking down at her baby sleep, the two other children watch as a line gathers outside for food aid distrubtion.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Faces Of Peruvian Orphans

A continuation of the ongoing portrait series.

Arrived in Peru

I arrived last night in Lima. This morning is overcast, but that is somewhat normal for this time of year. I will post some photos, and will be posting some videos from Haiti as well.

Headed West

I will be in the Los Angeles and San Francisco area May 4th - 7th. I will be talking to some non-profits. Laying the ground work for some cool projects. See you May 10th.

Life inside an orphanage. Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Food Aid - A Small Impact

The photos below are of aid being distributed in Port-au-Prince. The heat is brutal and lines are long - patience runs thin. Children have their fill and just want to leave. Everyone just tries to get through and it takes its toll. Even after hours of waiting and great efforts, some do not receive what they waited for. Every day is a challenge only equally met by survival.
















Haitian woman pleads for food, as aid starts to thin.

Haiti's Field Hospital - A New Life

A field hospital sits outside Port-au-Prince, one of the largest of it's kind it's considered one of the best in treating amputees. Most of the Haitians here would not have lost their limbs if they received medical care faster than a weeks time, which was nearly impossible for most. Funding for the program has been used and funds that have been promised have yet to be seen.

In Haiti there is not a acceptance of being handicap, there are no wheelchair ramps and/or accommodations for the handicapped. Which makes the lives ahead for these children much more challenging.

A truly amazing experience here, was the photo of the girl looking at the boy's arm. The children are not related but just living together, as there are many families here. The amazing part is after what these children have been through they come together; she takes care of him and is very protective. I practically had to answer to her when I first met them. She can empathize and feel for him. The best photos just happen, they forget I was around and this moment happened. She lifted his sleeve to look at his arm.

There is no shortage of pain here, but equally no shortage of resilience.




A girl takes a break from the heat and sits in the shade. She had been making bracelets earlier in the day.



Derigier Chenet sits and reflects about his wife who is still in critical condition and will never be the same. He lived on the second floor of a house in Delmas. He ran out with his stepchild and his daughter lost her right foot.





Celestin Mary Beranjer [Right] was trapped in a school for 30 minutes, she could see people passing; she cried for help and was eventually pulled from the building. She lost her 16 year old daughter and has a son outside Port-au-Prince that is sick and she has not been able to visit.

"Four people left in my family" - Celestin Mary Beranjer
" I saw so much, I cannot explain" - Celestin Mary Beranjer





Jeraldine Jerome lost her foot due to infection.

"We have no home, we saved no possessions" - Jeraldine Jerome





Souverain Nadia was trapped in her home for 28 hours. She could not find a doctor and went to the Dominican Republic to be amputated.



"I was inside, everybody was outside" - Rilor Charles [Right]
"My family is good" - Rilor Charles

Rilor emphasizes he’s grateful to have his family.