Sustainable Development in Haiti

Haiti Collaboration Committee

When people talk about Haiti, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.  But that is not how the Haitian people think of themselves. Haiti has rich culture which, in part, embodies the characteristics of resilience, creativity, ingenuity and faith.  Haiti became the world’s first independent black republic and second independent nation in the hemisphere when it successfully conducted a slave rebellion, overthrowing their French colonial masters in 1804.  

In February 2017, the Atlantic-Midwest Province of SSND formed an official partnership in Haiti with Beyond Borders (link is external), a non-profit organization working in Haiti for over 20 years. Initially, this collaboration in Haiti focused on developing two Model Community Initiatives (MCIs) in the communities of Ti Palmis and Nan Mango on the island of Lagonav, off the western coast of Haiti.  Today, in its eight year, the partnership's work extends to 73 communities on Lagonav. The collaboration between SSND and Beyond Borders is focused on increasing access to quality primary education, promoting economic justice and sustainable livelihoods and preventing parents who are poor from sending their children into domestic servitude as restaveks. The Model Community Initiative seeks to provide holistic community-based support to address the root causes of poverty, violence and restavek.  

As the province’s engagement in Haiti has evolved in partnership with Beyond Borders, SSND sisters, associates and mission colleagues have learned about the urgent needs of the people of Lagonav, Haiti.  Our Haiti Collaboration Committee seeks to educate and engage the province in the work of the partnership.

NEWSFEED

Dispatch from Haiti

Across all regions, we’re seeing more people arrive on Lagonav from the mainland, trying to escape the violence. Cost of living is rising. Fear is everywhere. And yet, we are still making progress. It just takes more—more strength, more resolve, more resources.

May 2022- Mother Tongue Book and Teacher Training Update

The SSND Teacher Training Program in Haiti continues to flourish.  Please read about the efforts to support student-made Mother Tongue Books and the Videos being created by NDMU faculty member Lisa Pallet to continue Teacher Training in the Time of COVD. 

SSND Teacher Training in Haiti during COVID

During the time of COVID, travel to Haiti has not been possible.  However, the intrepid SSND Teacher Trainers have found a way to have Teacher Training continue by working through video.  An amazing example of the commitment to education under the most challenging circumstances.

Climate Change - We Must Change by Patty Johnson, CSJ

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a unique collaboration between the Vatican, an international coalition of Catholic organizations, and “all men and women of good will.” (LS 3) ... Action is urgently needed... Please read this LCWR Resolution to Action.

Action Alert - Haiti

 It is incumbent upon us, as witnesses to the suffering of the Haitian people, to urge our Senators and Congresspersons to insist that the Biden Administration end deportation flights to Haiti. Take Action Here

Water Catchment Project in Haiti - 2021

“Water is Life!: Providing the people of Lagonav with access to water has been a particular focus of the SSND-Beyond Borders Partnership. Please read about the water catchment system project on Lagoanv. Reflect on the testimonies of the women whose lives have been changed by access to water.”

May 2022- Mother Tongue Book and Teacher Training Update

The SSND Teacher Training Program in Haiti continues to flourish.  Please read about the efforts to support student-made Mother Tongue Books and the Videos being created by NDMU faculty member Lisa Pallet to continue Teacher Training in the Time of COVD. 

Sharing Cultures and Books

The Haiti Committee has begun the Mother Tongue Book Project with the goal of connecting Haitian and US students in an activity of reading, writing, and understanding each other’s cultures, and to expand understanding of interculturality in order to prepare for living with those of other cultures in community and society.

Engaging and Empowering Local Communities in Haiti

Visitors to Lagonav, Haiti, remember sitting in circles outside or on hard wooden benches inside simple churches. Often they watched Freda Catheus facilitate gatherings aimed at bringing about social change in Haiti.  

Haiti Partnership-COVID-19 and Laudato Si

As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’ (LS) during the coronavirus pandemic, our partnership with Beyond Borders in Haiti helps us see the relationship between persons who are poor and planet-related concerns (LS 16). Although the global nature of this pandemic is obvious, countries like Haiti are expected to experience significant additional suffering due to challenging political, economic, and social conditions.

Reflections from the 2020 Teacher Training

Dr. Pallett, of NDMU and the rest of the training team met with 14 teachers and administrators from three different schools to share training on the topics of mathematics instruction in grades K-3 and teacher observation and supervision. The team provided many manipulative materials for teachers to use with students so that active learning replaced direct instruction in this highly effective teaching model.

The Haiti Water Initiative Program

AMSSND is committed to the goal of universal access to clean water. As part of that commitment, our province engages in education and advocacy efforts regarding the spirituality and vitality of water around the world and how to protect it.

Continued