Haiti is a unique country with a strong history. It has successes - for example, the strong spirit of the Haitian people which led to Haiti becoming the first independent black republic after it revolted. However, it has also faced a number of challenges, including natural disasters and political instability. Today, these natural disasters and political instabilities are all that individuals get to see because it is what the news provides for them to see. The goal of our program is to alter this narrative. We want individuals to be able to see Haiti not as a small, struggling nation in the Caribbean, but rather as a nation that shows it strength by the bond of its people and overall history of independence. We want participants to be able to point out the truths and lies in which the media feeds the world because now they will have their own perspective on the subject. Our participants will engage with Haitian communities in three different ways. First, they will experience the daily lives of Haitians along with the country’s rich history while engaging with our main N a Sonje. Second, participants will engage with a rural community, Rousseau, while exploring public health in Haiti. Third, participants will explore the financial opportunities of Haitians by working with a locally-operated microfinance organization, Fonkoze. Each of these three community partners are Haitian-based and led by Haitians. This is important because our mission is to change the narrative by listening to Haitians themselves, not outside NGOs.

Dates of Engagement: March 9 - 17, 2019

Estimated Cost: $2,000 - $2,300* 

*Final cost is subject to change based on the finalized itinerary and program fundraising efforts

Find the Haiti Program on Facebook!