Last week, Ted and I had a “first.” The University of
Maryland made its third annual Learning Tour to Haiti, with MCC as their host,
accompanying agency and logistical guide. And we were along for the ride!
After their Week One in the Dezam countryside, the group of
8 students plus their fearless UMD staff leader, made it to Port-au-Prince for
a week that was largely guided by Ted and yours truly.
From Day One, meeting them at the Ouanga Bay beach on
National Route 1 for their “take a breather” day, to the final night of
free-styling songs and sharing their personal reflections on the trip, Ted and
I came away with many good memories of meaningful conversations, sight-seeing
“firsts” around Port-au-Prince, and opportunities to see our Haitian partners
and their work with fresh eyes.
On Day Two of the group’s stay in Port-au-Prince, Ted and I
had the opportunity to roll out our first Advocacy 101 Workshop, something we
had given thought to periodically over the past months. Starting with a
“definition of Advocacy” and moving into the “how to,” we enjoyed the rich
dialogue that developed from the students’ very thoughtful reflections and
contributions. UMD is definitely a group
that prepares well and comes ready to learn.
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| The UMD group before arriving, photo cred: Kristina Mondesir |
A couple memories we will not soon forget:
Rocking to RAM
We enjoyed our first ever RAM concert with the Maryland
group. RAM is a racine band led by
the owner of Haiti’s famous Hotel Olaffson. Every Thursday evening, starting at
11pm, RAM plays a two-hour show. All we knew of RAM beforehand was … not much.
The awesome horns and jumpy beat surprised us and kept us awake enough to drive
the group home at 1am!
History changes
A 3-hour lecture from
friend and former MCC Advocacy employee on Haitian history kept the group
engaged and reminded me why I love history so much. The gentleman who provided
English interpretation for our group even said that this session “changed” him.
He hadn't heard the history of Haiti from colonial times to present conveyed
through such a stirring narrative.
Three days later, the group traveled to visit Na Sonje, a private foundation couched
in the hills beyond Port-au-Prince. This foundation is dedicated to the retelling
of Haitian history with an emphasis on raising global consciousness on the
horrors of colonial oppression. The Na
Sonje theatrical production takes you swiftly through seven centuries of
Haitian, African, and European interaction. It is a moving experience that is
hard to forget. One goal of the Learning Tour is to expose groups to a variety
of perspectives so they can better understand the rich and varied landscape of
Haiti today and in its past. The visit to Na
Sonje definitely serves to meet this goal.
Musical goodbyes
On our final night the team remixed the final rendition of their "farewell song"for Ted and me. Starting with their traditional "So long, farewell, to you my friends," they then broke into a rap that explored their highs and lows, and key learnings from their two weeks in Haiti. How often do you get serenaded at the end of a "work" day?? This group was a real pleasure for us to visit with. We wish them well, and hope several will make their way back to Haiti in the near and long-term.
All in all; an unforgettable "first"for Ted and me!
All in all; an unforgettable "first"for Ted and me!
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A little taste of Ouanga Bay for us; first day
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| Mural above the stage, at RAM |
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