N ap kenbe!
June 4th, 2005 by brianlee.On Wednesday, Gwoup 19 sworn in as the newest Peace Corps Volunteers in Haiti! Six Volunteers will be doing health work, specifically with HIV/Aids. Two Volunteers will be working in water and sanitation.
Because of recent developments in the country, we were told that we had to wait a week before we head to our sites. Now, it seems that we may be waiting for a lot longer.
Despite what the news may say about the condition of Haiti, I need to stress that we are safe in Haiti. Much of the trouble is occuring in Port-au-Prince and all of our sites are far from it. Life goes on in our training sites and our work sites. Machanns continue to sell in the mache. People continue to work their land. Children continue to play.
The Haiti that you will read about in the news is very different from the Haiti that I have come to know. Though at times I found myself very frustrated with some Haitians, I’ve come to love this country. Haitians are a people, though struggling with a number of problems, who continue to smile everyday.
There are many Haitians here who are committed to serving their country, committed to the idea that Haiti can be a better and healthier country. These Haitians continue to inspire me and encourage me not to lose hope.
I hope that anyone who reads this post will keep Haiti and PC-Haiti in your thoughts. Haiti is the kind of country that Peace Corps was meant to serve. It is essential for Americans to remember our Haitian neighbors, to remember that Haitians had also fought for their independence. As Haitians work towards a better country, we need to continue to support them by educating and sharing in the vision of a better Haiti.
Well, that’s all I have to say. I’ve only been a PCV for four days, so I suppose I’m still full of idealism and naive ideas. I just want people to know the real Haiti.
June 18th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
Brian,
So we’ve heard that you have all been pulled out of Haiti. Where are you now? Are they asking you if you’d like to relocate? What sort of options do they give you? I find it interesting that Peace Corps has to pull out of Haiti every few years because of political turmoil. You are absolutely right: Haiti is exactly the sort of country PC was meant to serve. It’s unfortunate that it seems to not be safe enough.
Keep us updated on your situation,
James
April 17th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Hi there,
I am currently in the process of applying to the Peace Corps. I am very excited about the possibility of serving, however, have some safety concerns. If you have the time, I would greatly appreciate any insights you provide into the issue. Do you feel safe where you serve? Do you have a support network from the program, local community members and/or other volunteers in the area? Again, any advice or concerns shared would be greatly appreciated. Please take care and I hope to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Robyn
rtakamin@willamette.edu