Monday, 21 July 2014

The Value Of The Haiti Mission

By Paulette Mason


Haiti is a small Caribbean country with a huge population. The country is endowed with beautiful scenery but has experiences historical injustices in the hands of foreign powers which continue to impact greatly on its current state. It was initially dominated by Spain and later France. These countries, more so the latter, greatly exploited its resources to its advantage . Natural calamities such as the 2010 earthquake compounded by the cholera menace have left behind an impoverished people, a shaky economy and extremely poor infrastructure. Today the country ranks is one of the poorest in the world and records an extremely low GDP. It is this state of affairs that has seen foreign people come out to help and even plan trips into the country in a bid to help eradicate some of the human problems being experienced in the country. These activities are now commonly referred to as the Haiti mission.

These missions are managed largely by the church in Haiti which has liaised with other North American churches. The United Nations has also greatly contributed to the change witnessed in Haiti. It has strongly backed efforts by local authorities to reconstruct and stabilize the nation.

The UN efforts can be noted in the peace and stability maintenance and empowerment of the existing structures of governance.

Various teams from different organizations, churches and countries plan foreign trips to volunteer and change for good the lives of Haitian people. Haiti outreach ministries, for example, depend on mission teams committed to travelling to Haiti and helping with some of the voluntary service rendered in the country.Most visitors are normally of American origin.

People can contribute to these activities regardless of ones professional background since there is a wide range of tasks that require manual skills. Volunteers can engage in construction activities, teacher training or teaching, in general upkeep, organizing and facilitating activities such as school trips, seminars or bible study and provision of medical care. Those intending to stay longer can engage in other activities other than those of their teams that require long term engagement.

Individuals preparing to participate in voluntary programs must be prepared to foot all the expenses they anticipate to incur. A guest house costs at least $35 per individual. The cost a trip is largely pegged on the size of your team. One ought to be prepared for some possible expenses such buying gifts, collecting souvenirs, purchasing products from local artisans. One might also find it necessary to purchase few requirements used in the voluntary work.

Those who are not able to have a trip can use other means to contribute to the welfare of the Haiti people. This can be done through sponsoring students or provision of financial aid.

Those who have had the opportunity to serve the people of Haiti, attest that it is a great opportunity and one that change their lives.




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