1. Haiti
Resistance and
Resilience
Dr. Karyn Trader-Leigh
March 30, 2013
MOBC
MOBC
Mission To Haiti
Earthquake Recovery
Lott Carey Partnership
Lambi Community:
Partnership for Sustainable
Living

3. Republic of Haiti
 Republique d'Haiti

4. 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
10/24/20164

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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

8. “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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. "Manje Kreyòl Haitian Food:
African, French and Spanish
 Moderately Spicy
 Chicken , Goat, Fish
Beef, Pork

13. 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.

14. Deities, Spirits, Ancestors,
Trances

15. 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.

16. 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. "

17. 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

18. 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

19. Ask
Questions
Respectfully
Build Self
Awareness
Recognize
the
complexity
Avoid
Stereotyping
Respect
Differences
Listen
Actively
Be Honest
Distinguish
Perspectives
Think Twice
Be Flexible
Ten Strategies for Effective
Cross Cultural
Communication

20. Communication
 Common greetings include:
 Bonjou, kouman ou ye? – Hello how are you?
 Sak pase - What’s up? (Informal greeting
exchanged between Haitians

21. 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.

22. A Season of Despair
 520,000 People still
homeless.
 Despair Infects the
displaced.

23. Filling Empty Bellies: Edible Clay
Mud Cookies

24. $$$$$$$$$$$$
 Huge Income gap between the Creole
speaking Black majority (95%) and the
French speaking Mulatto (African and
European decent) (5%)

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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

28. 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.

29. Women and Girls
 Women and girls
are often targets of
sexual violence

31. Doing Laundry

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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!

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. Travel Tips Continued
 Flashlight , batteries or led solar powered
lights
 Hand sanitizer, insect repellant, mosquito net
 sun screen, sunglasses

45. 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:

46. 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

47. Security
Don’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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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

51. 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

52. Kindle Edition Phrase Book

53. 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