Last week, MCC Haiti hosted its third Advocacy Learning Tour in recent history. What is an Advocacy Learning Tour? It is an opportunity for representatives from MCC's advocacy offices (in Ottawa, New York, Washington DC) and the regional policy analyst to deepen their knowledge of Haitian culture and the political landscape.

This year, participants enjoyed the beauty of Haiti's countryside and met with local experts on issues ranging from food sovereignty, migration crises at the border, reforestation, and Haiti's ongoing electoral process. Here is a photographic tour of our week:

Downtown Port-au-Prince. Anna Vogt.

We took a brief tour of downtown Port-au-Prince on our first afternoon together. This was a perfect treat after we had spent a few hours learning about Haitian history and recent social movements in Haiti from the educator Nixon Boumba. The streets of Haiti are popping with color, as evidenced by the public bus above, and the downtown plaza of Champ Mars boasts several statues and monuments to Haiti's heroes. The towering grey structure above was built by former President Aristide to commemorate Haiti's bicentennial in 2004. Interestingly, the torch on top of the monument was never lit.

Meeting with CODDEMIR and Pedro of Centro Bono in Malpasse. Ted Oswald.

A Saturday trip took us to Haiti’s nearest border crossing with the Dominican Republic, Malpasse, where we met with two civil society groups who are engaged in monitoring the ongoing migration crisis between the two countries. CODDEMIR (left and fourth from right) partnered with MCC to distribute material aid to a camp along the border. Pedro Cano (center) of Centro Bono monitors Dominican migration policy and educates migrants on their fundamental rights. Over lunch, our group learned how we can effectively advocate for Dominicans and Haitian migrants who are suffering from unjust immigration policies.

Community tree nursery in Kristan. Anna Vogt.

No learning tour is complete without paying a visit to MCC’s countryside office in Dezam, where we have partnered with local communities for thirty years to implement a multi-faceted reforestation program. Our group was greeted with songs and then led to the outskirts of Dezam where we witnessed the success of one of many MCC-supported tree nurseries. The tree saplings above are just a handful of 35,000 saplings at this one nursery site. This month, nursery committee members will distribute all 35,000 trees in one morning, so that community members can replant them in their own gardens, improving their family’s income and food security for the future.

Buillon. Anna Vogt.

Every cross-cultural experience comes with new flavors and aromas. One highlight of a learning tour is the immersion in Haitian cuisine. Over the week we sampled Haitian meatballs, fried chicken with carrots and string beans, fresh fish, Haiti's famous squash soup, and pikliz. Fresh lime, papaya, grapefruit, and mango juices greeted us at lunchtimes. Above is the typical dinner dish buillon made by Lucilia, the cook at our Dezam office. Made with dumplings, potatoes, boiled plantains, optional beef, bell peppers and spices, it's a great way to unwind and top off a fulfilling day.

 

Kabay. Anna Vogt.

On a misty morning we hiked to the farming community of Kabay, where MCC has worked with 160 farmers to distribute seeds and develop personal gardens, bringing much needed life to this drought-affected area. Sixty-seven farmers came together for their regular meeting and for peanut seed distribution. We spent part of our week discussing the USDA’s recent decision to ship 500 metric tons of peanuts to Haiti for school feeding programs. National and international groups have since expressed concern about this shipment undermining Haiti's local peanut market. Seeing firsthand how this news unsettled the farmers in Kabay, who rely on peanuts as one of their most valuable crops, gave us fresh ideas on how we could advocate further on behalf of Haitian farmers.

Along for the ride

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.

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!

A little taste of Ouanga Bay for us; first day

Awesome horns! At RAM

Mural above the stage, at RAM