Update on the Haiti Educator and Leadership Institute 2018: Recognizing our privileges ... and solidarity

There have been some significant issues which have led to large protests in Haiti recently. The issues came to a head when the Haitian government, following pressure from the IMF and World Bank, announced new increases for the price of fuel. This article in the Miami Herald (click here) outlines these increases including "...an increase of 38 percent on gas, 47 percent on diesel and 51 percent on kerosene, which is used largely by Haiti's poor to light up their homes."

The article goes on to say:

"Haiti's reality — double-digit inflation, a depreciating local currency, low purchasing power and little in the way of job creation — was the match that helped sparked three days of civil unrest that left at least three dead, businesses burned and pillaged, and international flights canceled."

Such is the plight of Haiti.

The Educator and Leadership Institute is scheduled to take place in Cap-Haitien from August 5-10. Although there have been protests in Cap-Haitien, it has not experienced nearly the turbulence that Port au Prince has seen. However, at this point, the Canadian government has issued an "Avoid all travel" advisory for Haiti. This puts our work in Haiti in jeopardy for the planned August time-frame.

I am not upset about the potential of delaying ELI until next summer, after all, we certainly do not want Haitian or Canadian participants to feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

I've learned over the years to reflect when confronted with these situations...

... and, upon reflection, this serves as a reminder of my privilege. I can choose to delay a trip. I can afford if there is a financial penalty for having to do so. My life will not be majorly impacted if I do not go.

However, the same cannot be said for many of my Haitian colleagues. They are living in the middle of very challenging circumstances.

Situations like this call for solidarity (solidarite in Creole). We might be able to physically remain in our comfortable homes and work places in Canada but we can certainly join our Haitian colleagues in emotional and spiritual solidarity during this difficult time.