Women and Youth Empowerment in Haiti: Sustainable Development
American University Alternative Break students with University of Fondwa students.
The Trip
This trip will focus on the ways in which students can engage with the redevelopment process post-earthquake, specifically focusing on women’s empowerment. During our trip we will explore the challenges Haitian women and Haitian communities (in general) have when rebuilding many of their institutions to create not only a working society, but a better, more inclusive society for all. This trip will examine the relationships between NGOs and other forms of “international intervention” and the communities they serve.
Haiti’s developmental needs were greatly exacerbated by the January 2010 earthquake. Now in the recovery period, many parties (both Haitian and foreign) have pledged to build and rebuild the country. Foreign governments and NGOs have and continue to play a significant role in Haiti and the attention given to them may overshadow what Haitians are doing for themselves to better their lives and country.
This trip will explore the idea of sustainable development in Haiti through people as resources, specifically focusing on women and youth and finding ways to teach them how they can help themselves. In partnering with Fonkoze, a Haitian microfinance institution, and APF (Association of Peasants of Fondwa), participants will learn and observe how grassroots Haitian organizations have taught women (mostly in rural Haiti) life skills and helped them to acquire resources to provide for themselves, their families, and communities.
American University is a founding member of the national Haiti Compact, a group of universities committed to empowerment and dignity in the rebuilding process in Haiti until 2015. The Compact also raises awareness on campus through activities such as Haiti Week, commemorating the earthquake in January and fundraising efforts for grassroots organizations.
About the student leaders
Rebekah Israel is a first year masters student in Sociology. Her main research interests are race, class and gender disparities in health and education. She has participated in various service-learning activities but this will be her first alternative break experience.
Rebecca Stein-Lobovits is a senior in the School of International Service, focusing in International Communication. She spent last year abroad in France and Morocco where she studied French, Arabic, and Islamic studies. She has been on service learning trips in the past, but this is her first alternative break experience.
Sample Itinerary
Saturday, March 10
Travel from Washington D.C. to Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Sunday, March 11
Explore Port-au-Prince in the morning
Travel to the small rural town of Fondwa and meet with APF representatives (such as APF women’s group and University of Fondwa students)
Stay at local guest house
Reflection
Monday, March 12
Complete community service project in Fondwa
Stay at local guest house
Reflection
Tuesday, March 13
Leave Fondwa and arrive Mirebalais, in the Central Plateau
Meet with Fonkoze representatives
Stay at hotel
Reflection
Wednesday, March 14
Meet Fonkoze’s Cheven Lavi Miyo (CLM) and Ti Kredi clients
Stay at hotel
Reflection
Thursday, March 15
Visit Fonkoze regional branch office
See Sodo Falls Waterfall
Stay at hotel
Reflection
Friday, March 16
Return to Port-au-Prince for post-trip activism planning
Stay at local guest house
Reflection
Saturday, March 17
