so...lets talk about Haiti.
I know you probably think it's getting a little boring, and yes, there are many articles & blogs about helping Haiti and why there hasn't been more lasting change in a country rife with foreign aid and NGOs...
but seriously. I want to have a real conversation about this. We don't see it every day in the news any more, but Haiti is still there. More importantly, Haitians, real people, are still hungry, and homeless and hurting...
I think we need to look at how money is being spent. Where is it all going? Who is it really helping? Are lives being changed for the better--or is this the biggest band-aid we've used in the Western hemisphere to cover up a wound that has been oozing for decades?
Who is on the ground running the show? And who is battling the corruption that keeps the common people stuck in poverty?
I just saw an article today from USAToday (via my Sojourner's email) that quotes Wyclef Jean, a native Haitian and big-time musician in the US speaking out against the lack of help for Haitians despite the deluge of NGOs working there. Now...I also have some issues with the way Jean is using money and running his own non-profit group, but it is worth questioning. He says:
"There's a million people living out of tents, and, my God, if you saw it and I was to tell you how many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are in Haiti, you'd be saying, 'How come nobody got them out of those tents?' "I guess what bugs me more is the fact that this happens all over the world, but for some reason we only care when a natural disaster hits and exacerbates an already sad situation. How did we let this go on for so long? And how are relief and development NGOs being held responsible the world over?
Take some time to read Jean's comments in the full article (http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20100510/yelehaiti10_st.art.htm) I think there are some good ideas. The biggest need I see in all of this is something that he briefly mentions--job creation. We must let Haitians take part in the reconstruction of their country. They don't need continual handouts...they are hardworking people. It is my belief that there are many structures of oppression in Haiti that prevent people from participating in the economic system and this is where reform needs to happen.
I want this to start a series of posts relating to this topic, so I'm going to look for some articles about GOOD stuff happening in Haiti and highlight some organizations that are doing good, honest work there. It is important to question things and critique, but also worthy of our time to applaud those who get it right and do it well.
Post some thoughts or comments or links to orgs who have done a few things right.
Charissa, I love the questions you brought up in this post. I think too often part of the issue might also be North Americans (like myself) wanting to feel useful (rightly so) but also "guilt-free" by throwing money without necessarily giving further thought to how helpful that money will actually be in the long run. I am sure that is a very immediate need, even now, for food, shelter, etc. for the Haitian people. However, you are so right in saying that money should be used in a way that has long term sustatinability - and you're the expert there, not me! I do know that our church is looking into sending a person to the orphanages we help there to oversee some sort of microfinance loan operation (we got a lot of money donated for Haiti - almost $200,000 - but haven't spent any yet!). Maybe they should talk to you!
All that to say, I think your blog is awesome and I think you're awesome. :) Reading this just confirms to me that you are going to do an amazing job in your assignment in Honduras! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures. ;)
thanks, Harmony.
I realized reading it again it does sound a little...i don't know what the word is...hostile?
but...i think it is really good stuff to consider.
Thanks for your encouragement :)