A Heartfelt Message to Volunteers to Haiti, One Year after Haiti's Devastating Earthquake

We are in January 2011. While the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010 is already one year old, the enormous task of  reconstruction has not yet started. Until this moment, signs of improvement are very little.





Most of the homeless are still living under tents here and there in the open spaces. The deposed families are waiting for jobs to be rehabilitated in the society with dignity.

Health care is poorly taken care of. Many parents died as a result of the earthquake. Orphaned children and youth are waiting for helping hands. Many are sick, hungry, handicapped, disabled physically and mentally.

The living conditions of the victims of January 12, 2010 is a public scandal and a shame for all Haitians. The basic needs of the people need to be met as soon as possible to avoid future calamities. What can be done for a better living? There is still so much work to be done. 

First, Leadership and team work are essential to face this challenge. It is to be hoped that in the very near future in a combined effort of the Haitian people and the international community a solution can be found to improve the living conditions for the victims of January 12, 2010. 

Allow me to propose a list of recommendations to the international helping hands and volunteers. 

1. Listen to the voice of the needy
2. Recognize the capacity and the dignity of the local Haitians 
3. Pay attention to ideas coming from the experiences of the local staff 
4. Pay attention to the individual differences between the nationals
5. Transfer your skill and technology, but avoid creating culture shock by misunderstanding their expertise
6. Control with accuracy all equipment, materials and resources brought for the realization of your goal
7. Canalize with efficacy all national and international forces in order to reach your goals
8. Foster a positive attitude with your interventions
9. Be guided by your vision in each step of the implementation of your plan 
10. Develop faith in the accomplishment of your mission. 

Saint-Louis Pierre, Pastor

SDA Haitian Union Mission

Director, Publishing Ministries
President, Commission of Coordination of Plans and Projects

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