Day 5!

Day 5!

Today was an emotional day because we had to say goodbye to the UNIF students. We got to know all of them very well and they were so nice to us during our stay in Fondwa.  We are so grateful that they were so welcoming when we arrived, and that we had the opportunity to learn from them.  We talked about school, life, politics, and many other things.  It was a great learning experience because they gave us insight into what it is like to live in Haiti, and what the future holds for them.  Our group was very grateful for their hospitality and was sad to say goodbye. I am really glad that we met them and exchanged information because I want to stay in touch.

After we left Fondwa, we headed back to Port-au-Prince to stop for lunch, where we met with Carla and had the opportunity to share our experiences from Fondwa. Then we got back on the road and headed to Mirbale, where we met with Linda Boucard, the Director of Communications for Fonkoze.

Fonkoze is the largest microfinance institution in Haiti.  It is a Haitian run organization that seeks to alleviate poverty by providing women in extreme poverty with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.  Linda told us all about Fonkoze and how the organization and bank operate. After reading about this organization for months, it was so great to finally hear about the work they do firsthand. Fonkoze is committed to making sustainable change in Haiti.  One thing that really stuck with me as Linda explained Fonkoze was the fact that majority of the NGO’s in Haiti were not going to be able to provide the type of change that Haiti needs like Fonkoze can.  I say this because Fonkoze understands the Haitian culture and history and this knowledge gives them the opportunity to better connect with the Haitian people and make sustainable change.  I came away from the day with the idea that the only real change that will successfully happened in Haiti is going to come from the Haitian people themselves. 

As I reflect each night, I continue to question my role as an American and what I can do to help bring change in Haiti. I was restored with hope and confidence after hearing Linda's stories about her work with the clients. I am really looking forward to working with them tomorrow and going to visit their clients.  Today I also realized that as much as I wanted to help Haiti, Haiti was actually helping me.  Haiti opened my eyes to who I am as a human being and allowed me to tap into my spiritual side.  I understand now that it is not my role to try to become some kind of superhero to Haiti but rather listen and learn from the people.  I am so grateful for this experience, and I can’t wait for tomorrow!

- Kevin Felisme

Day 4 -- Day of Service!!!!

Today was a busy day filled with sweat and satisfaction. We had our service project at APF in Fondwa. All 10 of us along with some Haitian volunteer, helped clean up the area that contains what is left of the APF Center post-earthquake. The area was filled with rubble and garbage: wrappers, bottles and even personal items like a pacifier and shoes. The personal items were a sad reminder of how the earthquake destroyed lives, and not just buildings. (Fortunately, during the earthquake, no one died in the APF Center). It’s unbelievable to think that all of that rubble and garbage was sitting there for two years. Also, under some of the rubble, Becca found a tarantula! I was shocked (and scared!) because I had never seen an animal like this in the wild! Also even though our group was sweating from the scorching sun we had a fantastic time spending the day together and being able to volunteer. 

We were given the opportunity to pull out some tree stubs that were blocking the path way. Tis action was symbolic because our trip is focusing on tackling problems at the roots.” After a few hours of cleaning the APF Center, the sisters at APF cooked a delicious meal for us including: chicken, fried plantains, rice, beans, and picklies (which is like a spicy coleslaw—it’s a group favorite!).  At lunch we were introduced to another American volunteer group from Philadelphia and were able to discuss the implications of international volunteering.

           

After replenishing our bodies, we met with a few young school boys. Dressed in their blue and white checked uniforms, they played “Hot Potato” with us. Despite the language barrier, we were able to convey the rules of the game through non-verbal communication. It was fantastic to be able to interact with the young boys firsthand. The excitement of the game attracted the attention of the older high school students. Finally, a combination of our guide, Edmond’s persuasiveness and Becca’s French skills, we were able to interact with the students. After the shyness disappeared, the group was able to disperse and engage in more intimate conversations with the students. 

Some of us were speaking in French, some in Spanish and some in English. Many of the students were shy about their English speaking skills—but in reality, they shouldn’t have been because they were great! Most of them spoke three languages, we were blown away! I’ve never met so many eager and bright students in my life. Their devotion to education, their compassionate spirits, and their motivation are all so admirable. These are qualities that we, Americans, can aspire to integrate into our lives through our education. These students serve as our role models, our teachers. After saying our good byes and thanking them for spending time with us, they embarked on an hour-long walk back to their homes. Again, that speaks to their dedication to learning.

We return to the APF Center to help the Philadelphia group with the remainder of their project. When we got back they were sifting rocks and sand that would later be used to make cement and transporting dozens of cinderblocks from one end of the Center to the other which was about 60 yards away. Today, we left the APF with a great deal of inspiration, hope, and peace. I am so grateful for me amazing experience thus far and all of the knowledge I am gaining from the local communities.

--Julia B