Saint Francis University

  General Traffic Regulations > Online Textbook Ordering Instructions > Why Study Computer Science > Asthma Basketball Camp 2008 held > Cultural Exchange in Haiti

CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN HAITI

  

B.R.I.D.G.E. Project     Intercultural Exchange Trip     Conditions in Haiti     Contact

 

--------------------  The B.R.I.D.G.E. Project  --------------------

The B.R.I.D.G.E. Project (Building Relations In Diversity and Global Experience) is a student organization dedicated to helping schools and families in Haiti. Each semester, the group organizes one fundraiser for a specific cause, either elementary schools in the Central Plateau or families affected by HIV/AIDS. When possible, the B.R.I.D.G.E. Project also organizes intercultural exchange/service-learning trips to Haiti.

The group is in association with the Little Brothers and Little Sisters of the Incarnation in rural Pandiassou, Haiti. This religious group invites students and faculty from SFU to stay with them for intercultural exchange visits, during which members of the SFU community can experience Haitian culture and daily living. Usually the trips include some sort of service-learning opportunities, although this is not the primary focus of the program. There is always time for reflection on the relationship of this experience to the rest of the Saint Francis University educational experience, especially the Franciscan commitment to global vision and concern for the poor.

Click here to visit the website of the Little Brothers and Little Sisters of the Incarnation. 

--------------------  Intercultural Exchange Trip to Haiti  --------------------

Intercultural exchange trips, headed by Ms. Martha O'Brien, instructor of music and Dean of General Education, are organized during Spring Break or after classes have ended in May. The trip does not take place on a regular basis, as conditions in Haiti are unpredictable from year to year. The trip is organized based on the level of stability in the country at the time of the trip.

In Pandiassou students and faculty stay at the retreat center run by the Little Sisters. Housing is in small concrete block buildings without electricity. There are four individual rooms in each building. Each room has two beds, a small closet, a small table, an oil lamp, and a washstand with basin. There is a latrine nearby as well as a shower house with unheated water. There is no telephone available on the property; however, there is international cell phone access.

At the retreat center, visitors are provided with safe, clean drinking water and food. Breakfast usually includes bread, natural peanut butter, jam made from tropical fruits, sometimes rice and milk, always strong Haitian coffee. A typical lunch or dinner might consist of fried plantains (a type of banana, prepared as a vegetable); chicken with a zesty sauce of tomato, onion, spices and oil; a rice and bean dish; a vegetable platter. After dinner there is often a cup of herb tea made with fresh leaves from one of a variety of plants on the property.

--------------------  Conditions in Haiti  --------------------

Haiti is a Third World country. Conditions are primitive, poverty is rampant and security is never guaranteed. Much that we take for granted does not exist in Haiti or exists on a severely limited basis. Additionally, Haiti is a tropical country. Even in March, which is one of the cooler months, it is hot during the day; and the sun is intense. In May, it is very hot and humid. There may be violent thunder storms in the late afternoons.

75% of people in Haiti depend on agriculture for a living. Therefore, some of the most difficult challenges that the people face are transporting water, containing water, and developing effective irrigation systems. Families in Haiti also face difficulties funding education because only 10% of schools are public schools that receive government funding. As a result, the cost of sending children to local private schools is too much for the average farmer who is struggling to keep his farm operational and make ends meet.

--------------------  Contact  --------------------

Ms. Martha O'Brien
Music Professor and Dean of General Education
Office: Museum 14 and Scotus 213
Phone: 814-472-3217
e-mail: mobrien@francis.edu

 

Directions | Bookstore | Weather/Webcam | Site Map | SFU Home | ©2009 Saint Francis University