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Hands of Haiti: Gender, Health, and Agriculture Haiti

This program will focus on community development through sustainable practices and women's empowerment. Women are a crucial part of this conversation as they have experienced a severe lack of quality health care and resources in post 2010 earthquake Haiti, and they play a large role in the agricultural field. Our program will explore the complex issues of community building in terms of a lack of community empowerment in some areas, specifically in communities of women in agriculture.

Our social justice theme of health and environmentally sustainable practices will allow our group to think and learn about creative, impactful and permanent solutions, and highlight how making greater efforts towards efficient health and environmental sustainability through community efforts in Haiti can in turn increase the positive sentiments of community, as agricultural work can increase and be passed through family lines and amongst other community members.

Dates of Engagement: March 7 - 15, 2020

Estimated Cost: $2,000 - $2,300*

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

Cory Myrtil was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is a Senior at American University studying International Studies focusing on Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture and Global Inequality and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean along with a minor in Sociology. Being that she is of Haitian descent, she has always been passionate about holding culturally aware conversations surrounding Haiti’s rich culture, history, and role in the international community. She is excited to be going back to her home country to learn and explore about the country through women’s role in agriculture. Cory looks forward to sharing these experiences with new people and continuing culturally aware conversations within Haiti’s Alternative Break program.

Photo of Cory

Mirielle ‘Mimi’ Pyram was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a Sophomore at American University studying International Studies focusing on Global Health and Environmental Sustainability and Global Inequality and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Coming from a family of Haitian Immigrants, Mimi has always been passionate about shedding light on Haiti’s unique culture and history. As some of her family members came to America after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Mimi grew interested in studying the post-earthquake impacts felt in the areas of health. She participated in the 2018 Spring Alternative Break to Haiti and she looks forward to sharing her experiences with a new group and returning to learn more about women’s health in Haiti.

Photo of Mimi

Day One: Fly to Port-au-Prince and travel to Na Sonje

Day Two: Participate in a Haitian history lesson and cultural immersion activities led by Na Sonje staff

Day Three: Visit Groundswell International Haiti

Day Four: Travel to Rousseau and work with OSAPO

Day Five: Continue to work with OSAPO and learn what a community health assessment entails and tour a community health clinic

Day Six: Work with local community farmers

Day Seven: Depart from OSAPO and visit a Voodoo priest to learn about the influences of voodooism and health, culture, and connections to nature.

Day Eight: Fly back to DC