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Please do get in touch... destinationleogane@gmail.com

Monday 24 December 2012

Haiti's New Dictatorship

Engaging and thought-provoking short article written by Justin Podur that I came across on the Upside Down World website, which is an alternative source of information to the mainstream reporting on activism and politics in the Americas. Well worth a read...Haiti's New Dictatorship concerns international control over the country including Western governments and NGOs and its impact on Haitian's as well as addressing the negative portrayal of Haiti. The article also highlights the often overlooked economic contribution of the Haitian diaspora.

What are your thoughts on the international presence in Haiti?

Saturday 1 December 2012

Haiti Fundraiser - Notting Hill Community Church

It's been a while since I've written a post...The last few months have been crazy busy and I've thought about Haiti many a time and my enriching experiences in other parts of the world as well as in London. I went to a Haiti fundraiser last night, 30 November 2012, at the Notting Hill Community Church with my Ma. Check out their website for more details and about how you might get involved and United Haitians in the UK too. It was our first visit to the church and we were welcomed by all. What a fabulous night! Lots of love and positive energy flowed through the building. The church is raising money to support children's education in Haiti and we were more than happy to be a part of that. It reminded me of my own time in Haiti last year and the importance of working at grassroots level. Every little counts! There efforts help children's lives, their families and the community. A ripple effect. I was sad to hear about the devstation caused by hurricane Sandy, which destroyed many crops in the North. Unfortunately, Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean didn't receive as much attention in mainstream news as other countries. But they will not be forgotten. And lots of people do really care. Yesterday was a perfect example of that.

The beautiful sounds created by the range of performers transported me to the Caribbean, if only for a few moments. Wow! The beat of the drums, and the sounds of the rich voices and percussion merged together beautifully. So striking. It really touched me deeply. Hypnotic. Stirred the soul. A powerful experience and even better that I shared it with my Ma and those around me. Feeling inspired...

I would also like to acknowledge the passing of my loved ones in recent times. R.I.P. Chris, Churchill and Grandad. X


Sunday 17 June 2012

One year later: a reflection on my time in Haiti

Wow! I can't believe it!! One year since I was in Haiti. I remember clearly arriving in the bustling Port-au-Prince airport alone. I had a slight panic tracking down my baggage in the makeshift building, the rain was pelting down, and my driver nowhere to be found. It was chaotic. A culture shock! I felt a mixture of wariness and excitement. Completely out of my comfort zone, but somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that I would be just fine! I'm so touched that despite spending a short amount of time in Haiti, it was such a transformative experience, a rollercoaster of emotions, and it really opened my eyes to other people's realities around the world. Never have I seen such abject poverty. On the other hand, never have I felt so welcome by people brimming with such determination, spirit and strength despite facing so much adversity. I was truly humbled by my experience in Haiti and continue to be today. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I am thankful that I was able to see Haiti firsthand and find out more about this island that always seemed so mysterious; to go beyond the myths and misconceptions and, let's face it, the overwhelmingly negative portrayal. I was overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the island and its people, juxtaposed by the absolute destruction exacerbated by the earthquake in 2010 - dilapidated buildings, flooding, rubble everywhere. Despair filled the air, yet I was moved by people's sense of hope and pride, something that I will always remember and value. It may seem inappropriate to say that I had a wonderful time, but I really did enjoying meeting and engaging with the local people as well as the other international volunteers. My time in Haiti was truly special. What I learnt then and what I still believe now is that as a short term volunteer I have a duty to keep talking about Haiti and sharing my experience with  friends and family, which hopefully they will share with others, like a domino effect.  I am under no impression that I can save the world. However, I also firmly believe that every little counts and that raising awareness is soooo important. This is a key message that I took home from Peru too.

"If you make an observationyou have an obligation" (M.K. Asante Jr)

When I close my eyes, I can smell, feel, hear and touch Haiti. A place like no other, all of my senses were alerted. I hope to visit again in the future with more advanced skills and experience to share and make the most meaningful contribution as possible to people's lives. I often think about Haiti and what the Haitians have to go through day by day. It was such a grounding experience and whenever I want to moan or complain I just think about how privileged I am to live in the UK and in London. Sometimes I take these privileges for granted - a national health service, welfare system, running water, and a safe and solid home. Most importantly, the basics: food, clothes and shelter. Nothing could have prepared me for my first sight of Haiti and I am so glad that I came without expectations because seeing such utter devastation is extremely mind blowing! Knowing that this is many Haitian's daily existence really does upset and frustrate me.

My experiences travelling and volunteering around the world drive and motivate me to do well and not take advantage of what I have in life. Witnessing injustice reminds me how lucky I am and keeps me focused on what really matters, to enjoy the simple things in life and not be consumed by trivial matters. Moreover, my recent experience in Peru has reinforced the importance of working with local people at grassroots level. It's the hard-working everyday people on the ground that truly inspire me.

One year has gone by and I'll never never forget you Haiti. This is my reflection.

Capitol Building, Port-au-Prince. First hour in Haiti

View from All Hands Volunteers base, Leogane

© All photographs belong to moi :)

Friday 9 March 2012

Working at Casas de la Salud

Every morning, we jump into our moto taxi and are met by our friendly driver Ignacio, but we call him Nacho for short! He takes us to the parish of Acomayo where a branch of our partner organisation, Casas de la Salud (Houses of Health) is based. It is a small oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the streets of Ica and is filled with inspirational and extremely hardworking people. It's the heartbeat of the community and provides a range of health services, ranging from medical to holistic treatments. They also run investigations in various developments fields such as the environment, education and HIV/AIDS. Our focus here will be on early childcare, specifically for under three year olds, comparing institutionalised and non-institutionalised children.  Institutionalised meaning those children who attend a Wawa Wasi (early childcare). We are mid way through our placement and are finishing our first output, which is to design a research project on the development of children under the age of 3. We are interested in finding out the effectiveness of the government funded Wawa Wasi programme in a region called Salas Guadelope, which is a slum settlement. Many of the inhabitants are from Ayacucho and have settled here to work in the agricultural industry. They originally settled here for the prospect of employment to escape the terrorism that was fierce in that region between 1980 and 2000.

We are working closely with Norlley Munoz who is overseeing the project. We started by conducting a literature review to find related studies and existing tools that measure children's psychological and physical development. Next, we selected our materials for the investigation and conducted fieldwork for data collection, visiting children at 2 Wawa Wasis and in their homes. The Wawa Wasi's are preschool centres built by local communities, providing a safe space for children to attend whilst their parents are at work, and where they can be stimulated mentally and receive nutritional meals. It's been quite a challenge coordinating the investigation, but an invaluable experience as it has been incredibly insightful to see just how different people live and to see the disparities in access to health and education.

Everyday we face the challenge of learning Spanish and are always determined to improve our language skills, and the staff at Casas de la Salud are extremely encouraging and helpful.  We even had the opportunity to practice our Spanish when raising awareness of our research project live on tv and radio!

Since being in Ica, we have experienced an earthquake which was reported to be 6.3 on the Richter scale.  This unsettling event opened our eyes to the harsh reality that people are exposed to in developing countries. It was saddening to see the traumatic impact on people's lives, especially as it is a reminder of the devastating earthquake in 2007.  This experience has also demonstrated the strength of the local people and their ability to remain positive in the face of adversity. Ica has such a great sense of community and we are really happy to be part of it.

To find out more about Casas de la Salud, check out their blog at http://casasaludica.blogspot.com/




As you know, I am currently volunteering with the chairty, Progressio as Group Leader and am working with another volunteer called Rachel. This is our first blog about our work at Casas de la Salud (February 2012). All photographs belong to Rachel and I.

Thursday 23 February 2012

Maria Elena, Siempre Viva!

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the 20th anniversary celebration of Maria Elena Moyano in Villa El Salvador. Luckily, my friends who are volunteering in Villa have made a great video montage of the proceedings. Please watch it to find out more about this truly inspiring woman!



Video courtesy of Progressio Empower Peru Volunteers 2012

Tuesday 7 February 2012

Saint Martin de Porres

Throughout my time in Peru I have been intrigued by images and figures of a Black saint. Who is he? What was his story? Let´s face it, I´ve never come across a Black saint before! Much to my amazement, I stumbled upon his name at work today - Saint Martin de Porres. Born in Lima in 1579 and canonized in 1962, some 323 years after his death in 1639...I`ll leave it up to you to fill in the gaps!


Wow...you learn something new everyday!

Monday 30 January 2012

6.3 on the Richter scale!

At times, the stories I read in the media about natural disasters seem sensationalised, motivated by sales and profit.  Having volunteered in Haiti last year, I believe that even if this is true, no story can ever capture the anguish and devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake.

Well, in the early hours this morning, I experienced an earthquake, here in Ica.  I sat on my bed as the ground shook violently, it was as though a train had crashed through my window at full speed. It couldn't have been for more than 30 seconds but during that time a lot of things raced through my mind - that's for sure!  Strangely I felt a sense of calm, but it was mostly unnerving and unsettling.  My mind and body wobbled for ages after like jelly. I can not imagine what the people of Haiti and Peru (and around the world) have gone through and continue to experience.  According to reports the earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale.  Waking up after a very intense and sleepless night, I could only think about those who were living in poorly structured homes and hoped that no one was hurt.  I can't help but put on my psychologist hat; I wonder what were the psychological effects of the 2007 earthquake on Peruvians.  I also think about how each new tremor agitates an already fragile state of mind. These issues are important to probe in Haiti too, and around the word for that matter!  What must it feel like to know that an earthquake could happen at any time and that it is completely out of your control?  Are people living in a constant state of fear?  What can be done to empower people living in earthquake prone areas, especially those from socio-economically deprived backgrounds?  How can we help those who face this reality, particularly in developing countries?  I hope to begin to answer some of these questions whilst I am here... one thing I do know is that this experience has certified in my mind that there is most certainly a higher power out there.  I stumbled upon the American Psychological Association (APA) natural disasters webpage last year whilst in Haiti.  Unsurprisingly, I am compelled to unearth this resource today and re-familiarise myself with its content.

My volunteer work over the past few years has reinforced just how passionate I am about development on a local, national and international scale.  And the importance of engaging in work that enables me to make a meaningful and positive contribution to society. If you can be happy at work and love what you do, then I believe that you have found true success!

Wow! Life is really precious and as a one of my best friends recently said "what a gift it is to be alive, and to know it".

Thursday 26 January 2012

Settling in...

I am slowly settling in to life in Ica, living in the desert has its highs and lows! The weather is hotttttt as you would expect and the humidity just knocks me out!  The kinda heat that makes you feel lethargic, yet you know that you have lots of work to do. I guess that's why they have siestas here, but to be honest that isn't working for me at all! Thankfully, the pace of life here is laid back and its probably a good thing that I'm getting the chance to slow down a little. I'm quite lucky to leave my house and be faced with sand dunes, not everyone can say that right?! However, when the dust and sand blows, and it does frequently, I sigh! Living in the desert is nothing like that Sex and the City 2 movie - let me tell you! I also have the pleasure of living on the Pan-Americana - the only road that links the North and South of Peru. You can imagine the noise!!! It's like being in my own epic car racing/lorry driving movie- the special effects are intense!

 Life is simple here, yet complicated. I've enjoyed learning about the Peruvian culture, history and politics during my orientation in Lima, and now experiencing it for myself in Ica. Forget the red London buses and grimey tube, I'm riding in tiny mototaxis back and forth on the bumpy roads of Ica now! I must admit, I definitely experienced a culture shock in Ica, more so than in Lima. Lima felt familiar, like I was in a European city, whereas Ica feels totally new and exciting but also overwhelming. It's interesting because Haiti was probably the most shocking reality that I have ever been faced with - the juxtaposition of the lush landscape, marvellous people and devastation of the earthquake on infrastructure and peoples lives. I instantly felt an affinity to Haiti. Whereas, it has taken me much longer to adapt to living in Peru, which is a surprise as I do adore Latin American culture. A learning experience nonetheless, and I have come to understand just how resilient and flexible I can be. I have definitely had my moments though i.e. w'hat the hell am I doing here?' But overall I am so thankful to be here and to work with Progressio and the local organisation, Casas de la Salud de Ica. I am slowly starting to find my feet and am very happy here. I look forward to the new experiences that await me...A dream has come true: to engage in meaningful work in South America! Yeehaa!!! I really have to step up my game and learn more Latin American Spanish - what a beautiful language! My understanding is improving, and I need to work on my delivery. I'm quite confident in interacting with the locals and more than happy to make a fool of myself in the process, and if all else fails hand gestures can be very useful!

Food is a big thing over here and life is centred around meal times. I have to say it will take me a lil time to get accustomed to some of the local dishes, but I have most definitely developed a penchant for Chicha Morada - juice made from purple corn, that is native to the Peruvian Andes, mixed with fruit and spices. Yum! The ceviche and chicharron de mariscos (think seafood tempura but nicer) is simply delicious too. On the other hand, my non carnivorous ways really are NOT understood here! The amount of times I've ordered a vegetarian dish - topped with swine of all things (gross)- is just hilarious. Moreover, people will look at you straight faced and claim that there is no meat in the dish lol! Oh well, keep on smiling...I'm in Peru!!!

Food aside, I'm here to facilitate a research project on child development with Casas de la Salud de Ica.  Situated in Acomayo, the local area is not the most joyous place to be, but once you step inside the premises it's like being in a little oasis. There is such a positive and warm vibe at Casas and the staff are very welcoming. I came to Peru with few expectations and am happy to have found out that I am able to engage in a project that I am truly passion about - y'all no research and helping others is my thing! And to learn from others and share my skills too. The project is about the effectiveness of the Wawa Wasis (early education/childcare) programme for children aged 3 and under, in terms of physical health and psycho social development. Wawa Wasis, is a government initiative that is driven by local people, and enables children from low income families to experience a nurturing and stimulating environment during the day, whilst the parents are out at work. We hope to share our findings with the local community to raise awareness of the outcomes that can be achieved and to encourage more families to involve their children with the Wawa Wasis programme. I am working in a small team at the moment and we are currently reviewing the literature and designing the study. I feel that I am finally able to put all of my research training, enthusiasm, and voluntary experience into a tangible and well thought out project. I hope to make a difference here, no matter how small.



All pics courtesy of Google images. Don't worry, I'll share my own pics soon... :)

Wednesday 11 January 2012

2 + 2 + 12 = finally in Peru!

I finally arrived in Lima, Peru after 16 hours of flights (2 hours to Madrid, 2 hour layover & 12 hours to Peru) and 2 sleepless nights. We made our way to our current home at night, and despite the darkness, the new and old colonial buildings of Barranco immediately stood out! I have come to Peru to volunteer with the charity Progressio as Group Leader and will help carry out a research project in a province south of Lima called Ica. I am soooooooo excited to start! Other vounteers will be working in different projects in Villa El Salvador too. But before we dive into our projects, we are having an orientation to learn more about Peruvian culture and to improve our Spanish skills - I hope to be fluent someday! Lima is a bustling city full of life and energy, which in many ways reminds me of the hardworking and lively Haitian people! I have already been able to draw a few comparisons between the two countries, yet they are very much distinct! What first springs to mind is the devastating effects of the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010 and my time in Leogane- the epicentre of the quake. Similarly, I will be living in Ica, which was hugely affected by an earthquake that occurred in 2007. Like Leogane, Ica is an extremely poor town where little has been done in terms of reconstruction despite large sums of money being raised to support a disaster relief effort. It will be very interesting to see, first-hand, what condition Ica is in and to experience the Peruvian way of life, so to speak. I like to think of myself as a realist idealist, and sincerely hope that things will improve both in Ica and Haiti. My research also tells me that Ica has a large African Peruvian population and I am extremely curious to find out more about them, as well as Peruvian culture and history in general.

I am also struck by the strong sense of faith in Peru, which again reminds me of Haiti. I visited the local square a few days ago and was lucky enough to view the beautiful big church that stands proudly in the centre. Catholicism is the main religion here, so it is fitting that I am volunteering for Progressio. I am volunteering as part of the new International Citizen Service (ICS), which enables young people, like me, to engage in international development through working on small projects in developing countries. I am specifically working for the COAST (Community Organisation and Social Transformation) programme. What I particulary like about this great opportunity is that I will be able to experience fieldwork overseas, which is often hard to come by. Moreover, I share the vision and values of working alongside grassroot organisations in projects that are very much driven by local people, rather than enforcing ideas upon communities!