HaitiResistance and Resilience

Dr. Karyn Trader-Leigh

March 30, 2013MOBC

MOBC Mission To Haiti Earthquake Recovery

Lott Carey Partnership

Lambi Community: Partnership for Sustainable Living

Republic of Haiti Republique d'Haiti

05/01/20234

Be Spiritually Guided on Your Journey Prepare spiritually When serving on or leading a mission team, we must prepare

our heart, our soul, and our mind for the work God has led us to do. Within our own strength, we are limited as to what we can do. Projects may seem impossible and for many, they are, but if we place our faith and trust in God, He can accomplish all those things we find impossible.

Philippians 4:13 ' I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'

Pray, Bring your pocket Bible, Be Mission Minded

Test What’s the population? What’s the currency? What’s the exchange rate When was Haiti discovered & by whom Most famous Haitian General Who is the President? What are the major faiths? What do you think the income level is?

First Free Black Republic The Haitian

Revolution of 1791 was the only successful slave revolt in world history and the defining moment of the abolition of slavery

Haiti was one of the richest colonies on earth.

Free Haiti established January 1, 1804

Quick Facts First Black Republic Slave Revolt 1804 French collected 93 Million Francs in

restitution A food importing nation, food self-

sufficiency a critical need Devastating soil erosion

“Joie de Vivre“

Despite so much misery in the country, is the fact that there is always a "joie de vivre". The average Haitian, no matter what, will find satisfaction with the little he/she may possess.

Family Traditions The family is the most

important relationship, function and responsibility in Haitian culture.

Family is considered and consulted when making decisions.

Everything that an individual does reflects and weighs on his/her family.

Traditionally in Haitian culture, each family has a reputation which affects its status and respect in society.

Traditional Haitian families are extended families, often including grandparents

Children Children must never

show anger to their elders.

Ill-mannered children are typically considered to be an embarrassment to their families.

Corporal Punishment: It is not uncommon to physically discipline their children when they misbehave.

Great stress may be placed on youth to achieve high grades and excel academically. Children are expected to behave well and be respectful and obedient to their elders.

ELDERS Elders are highly respected in

Haitian culture.

Because they are wise and have life experience, they are often consulted for a variety of issues (illness, mental /emotional disturbances, civil disagreement, etc.).

Elders often help raise their grandchildren.

Adult children/family members are traditionally expected to care for the elders.

Putting ailing or aging elders in a nursing home is unheard of in traditional Haitian culture.

"Manje Kreyòl Haitian Food: African, French and Spanish

Moderately Spicy Chicken , Goat,

Fish Beef, Pork

FOOD avocados, mangoes,

pineapples, coconuts, bananas and guava to grow in abundance, Sugar Cane, Okra , Tarro root, beans, coffee, cocoa, sweet potatoes, cassava, rice is a basic staple.

Deities, Spirits, Ancestors, Trances

Voudon: Word Origin Benin Language Traditional Haitian religious practice, Vodouisants believe in

a supreme being called Bondyè, from bon "good" + dyè "God.

Vodou's moral code focuses on the vices of dishonor and greed.

Generosity in giving to the community and to the poor is also an important value. One's blessings come through the community, and one should be willing to give back.

There is a diversity of practice in Vodou across the country of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora.

As the songs are sung, participants believe that spirits come to visit the ceremony, by taking possession of individuals and speaking and acting through them.

Honoring the Ancestors Voodou brings Solace Grieving for those lost "Voodoo in a nutshell is

about the idea that everything material has a spiritual dimension that is more real" than physical reality, she says. "

Catholicism: Dominate Religion

Faith has been a constant in Haitian life especially after the earthquake.

Catholic Relief services have been very involved.

Building a new home through CRS savings program

Baptists Ministry in Haiti The vision exhibited by

Haitian Baptists is of the view that Christian ministry in the Caribbean country has both a rich heritage and a bright future.

Baptist World Convention recently bought different Baptists groups together to focus on holistic development in Haiti

Ask Questions Respectfu

llyBuild Self

Awareness

Recognize the

complexity

Avoid Stereo Typing

Avoid Stereotyping

Respect Difference

sListen Actively

Be Honest

Distinguish Perspective

s

Think Twice

Be Flexible

Ten Strategies for Effective

Cross Cultural Communication

Communication Common greetings include: Bonjou, kouman ou ye? – Hello how are

you? Sak pase - What’s up? (Informal

greeting exchanged between Haitians

Communication Styles & Customs

Most Haitians greet new and formal acquaintances with a handshake.

They are addressed by their title (Monsieur, Madame, Doctor, etc.) and last name.

Kisses (on one or both cheeks) are the customary greeting for more familiar.

Friends and family are called by their first names. Elders may be called aunt or uncle, even if they are

not related. When entering a room, one is obliged to greet

everyone present. Passionate and animated communication is generally

seen as authentic.

A Season of Despair 520,000 People

still homeless. Despair Infects the

displaced.

Filling Empty Bellies: Edible Clay Mud Cookies

$$$$$$$$$$$$ Huge Income gap between the Creole

speaking Black majority (95%) and the French speaking Mulatto (African and European decent) (5%)

Cholera remains a public health problem Sanitary conditions

are poor The spread of

cholera in Haiti, the disease remains a lethal threat two years after the epidemic first appeared in the county.

Health Issues Cholera outbreak spread through water,

can be transmitted by eating contaminated food or seafood.

The biggest concern in Haiti for travelers is malaria, and dehydration.

Make an appointment with a travel clinic for anti-malarial prophylaxis.

Flying Toilettes

Port- au- Prince No Sewer System

Not unusual: plastic bags for defecating

Some children have never had the experience of using a toilet as we know it

Haiti recently got there first sewage treatment plant

The Resilience of Women Women are traditionally the

nurturer in the family. They handle the domestic duties

and childcare. Women are expected to be faithful

and respectable. Traditionally, females have less

freedom in Haitian society than males.

As single parenthood is a common family arrangement in Haitian society,

Many women are also the head of the household.

Women are the back bone of Haitian Society.

Women and Girls Women and girls

are often targets of sexual violence

Doing Laundry

Male Roles Men are traditionally the head of the households

and the primary breadwinners. Males are the figure of authority within the family. Men have relative social freedom when compared

to women in Haitian society (they are free to go and come as they please).

In theory, traditional Haitian culture is considered to be patriarchal. However,

Some argue that women are the backbone of Haitian society.

Tips on Haitian Culture Culture of Haiti is the fusion of the

African, West Indian and the French cultures. The national language of Haiti is "Creole" and this language is widely used in arts, literature, drama, music and dance.

Musical, Art, Cultural Nationalism

One of the richest aspects of Haitian culture, are the diverse expressions of art. Haitian artists like those around the world, show the beauty they see all around to the world.

Art Brings Hard Currency!

Respect Haitians are a very dignified people; they have

their pride, despite all they have had to endure. There are some beggars and peddlers in the

cities, but they are the exception, not the rule. Haiti is a nation of fairly conservative norms.

Modest dress when exploring Haiti's cities is advised, especially for women. The smart visitor should look people in the eye, wave hello, and treat them with friendship and respect, as equals, no matter how poor or desperate their living conditions may seem.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Extreme poverty may be overwhelming if you have

not experienced this type of culture difference before. Please do not emit a sense of repulse by some of

the things you see. Be polite but not intrusive. It is normal to ask questions of the locals. Remember that you are a guest in their country. Do not expect to be treated as a king or a queen

(though you might get some extra privileges) because you are foreign or religious.

Haitians are warm and helpful people.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Ask permission before taking pictures of

locals (they often ask you for money). Never walk about sticking your camera in people's faces or taking pictures randomly. Do not solely take pictures of the piles of trash you may see in some of the bigger cities (such as Cap-Haïtien or Port-au-Prince) or anything else that Haitians are not proud of as it is offensive.

Give Voice to Locals What Haitians see is that with all the

money that has been donated, basic problems are not tackled,

The international aid organizations spend weeks discussing Haitian issues, most of the times with no Haitians present.

Working with Translators Connect with your translator before working

with them to speak in public. Let them get use to hearing your voice.

Avoid Clichés and colloquial phrases Avoid Contractions (can’t Don’t) Use full phrase.

When speaking to a group do not look at your translator look at the people you are speaking with. Make eye contact with your audience. Wait until translator finishes speaking before starting your next sentence.

Working with Translators Speak in complete thoughts and complete

sentences. Don’t speak in small phrases your translator needs to understand your complete thought and know where you are going.

One sentence at a time, The delay gives translation time,.

Avoid using references to American culture to describe things they are not familiar with our sitcoms, movies sports top albums, or political news.

Travel Health NEVER EVER pack your prescription medications in

your checked luggage. Carry them on your person or in your carry-on bag. As you make your medications list (consult with

your family doctor or travel health clinic while you're at it), consider items like antacids, pain killers, Band-Aids, upset stomach and diarrhea remedies, cortisone creams, cough drops, antihistamines, antifungals and topical disinfectants.

My Fav’s peroxide, Golden Seal

Tips Sometimes visitors to Haiti walk about

handing out candy or dollar bills. While many people, especially children, will accept your offering, this is offensive to most people as it compromises the dignity of Haitians.

Carry an extra water bottle and food to share with your driver, guide, or interpreter.

Be patient as nothing moves fast in Haiti. Most people will find your whining amusing at best and severely insulting at worst.

TIPS Take along those pouches of powdered

foodstuffs that can be prepared with boiling water (many hotel rooms provide kettle, carafe, coffee maker) such as hot chocolate, cafe au lait, cappuccino, instant soups, instant oatmeal and a few tea bags with a few sugar packets protein/meal replacement bar, dried fruit & nuts. Pack a few plastic utensils, and a corkscrew-bottle opener.

Travel Tips Continued Flashlight , batteries or led solar

powered lights Hand sanitizer, insect repellant,

mosquito net sun screen, sunglasses

Travel Tips- Women Women should as a rule dress modestly

in Haiti, no matter what the local Haitians are wearing. They have limited resources and know the culture. Opt for longer loose-fitting skirts or looser-fitting slacks, and avoid skimpy tops. Longer sleeves will help with cleanliness and sun and mosquito/insect protection. Avoid heavy or obvious makeup, flashy jewelry:

Immunizations Washington Occupational Health

Associates http://www.woha.com/ 1140 19th St. NW Suite 700 Washington,

D.C. Telephone: 202-463-6698 Passport Health:

http://www.passporthealthusa.com/ Alexandria, Sterling, Vienna, Manassas

SecurityDon’t be Naive

There are some beggars and pickpockets, thefts, kidnappings, various forms of crime.

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince

Open Monday - Friday 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Tel: 011-509-2229-8000

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Security The security situation in Haiti remains unpredictable. You should

avoid all demonstrations and protests as they have a high risk of turning violent. We recommend you monitor the local media for new safety and security threats.

Foreign aid workers have been the target of kidnapping, and other violent crimes. You should take precautions to ensure your personal security, particularly at night.

There is an ongoing cholera outbreak in Haiti. Thousands of people have died and hundreds of thousands more have been infected. See the Health section for more information.

Be a smart traveler. Before heading overseas: organize comprehensive travel insurance and check what

circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy. Travel with a companion.

Security Law Enforcement Liaison

The RSO provides security information and assistance to American affiliated businesses, educational, cultural and religious institutions and NGO's. The primary means for such support is through the Haitian Chapter of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). The RSO provides briefing materials and assistance developing contingency plans to cope with fires, bomb threats, evacuations, and other issues.

Safety • Petty crime and

fraud schemes do exist in Freetown particularly – avoid displaying valuables/cash in public,

• You can lock valuables in your room safe (in hotels), although keep your passport with you at all times. Copy it.

• You should keep your phone charged and with you at all times. As well, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back

• Ensure you travel with a hard copy of tickets or itinerary for all travel into and out of Haiti

Money Currency Facts

Name: Haitian Gourde HTG

Symbol: G

HTG Profile Coins: Freq Used: G1, G5, 5, 10,

20, 50 Banknotes: Freq Used: G10, G25, G50,

G100, G250, G1000 Bank of the Republic of

Haiti Website:

http://www.brh.net Users: Haiti

Kindle Edition Phrase Book

Telecom Options Tempest telecom,

Irridium- Satellite Any AT&T or T Mobile

phone with a SIM card swap out the card. Basic Digicel phones are pay as you go for minutes.

Sprint shift to global mode

Purchase International Calling cards

Skype

Expect broad band to be less accessible