Global Citizen Report: Dealing with Unrest and Violence Impacting a School in Haiti

By Hollister Thomas

My family, my husband and three kids, have attempted to volunteer at the Children’s Academy in Haiti on two occasions since December. However, because of violent unrest in the area, our trips have been postponed. To be honest, this makes us want to do even more for the kids and staff, knowing they are facing dangerous situations just to attend school! So we double down on our spiritual intention of love and willingness to be of service, and are totally open to let wisdom guide us to provide aid from our home in Florida. One way is letting our friends know of the situation and what this courageous community is accomplishing to advance education – and peace!

Here is an excerpt of the April, 2019 newsletter with a link to the full account.

The widespread protests against government corruption, the high cost of living, and inequality in general began July 2018 and continued sporadically up to the present. The opposition party, which has helped to fuel mobilization against the government, refers to this movement as “peyi a lòk” which literally translates, the country’s locked down, meaning by the protestors, “We’re not going to allow movement. We’re not allowing people to circulate and to go about their lives. Businesses, government offices, schools must shut down. We’re in control.”

February 4-8th was a particularly difficult week. Protests with roads blocked and burning tires were widespread and in many cases, there was gunfire, rocks being thrown and violence. By now, more than two dozen police had already lost their lives.

Alex (staff member) was on his way up the mountain with our 4-wheel drive packed full with six of our teachers and staff who commute from Port- Au- Prince along with some parents and students picked up en route. He was about two-thirds of the way to the school when a neighbor signaled to talk with him.

“Alex, if you’re determined to go to the school, be ready, be courageous. Definitely, don’t go in the truck. Burning barricades have been built by people who are angry. They’re acting in solidarity with people around Port- Au- Prince and the country to lock down the country and restrict movement. Better to walk so that you can talk with them.”

Alex, and Children’s Academy staff members, parents and students got out of the car and started walking. Sure enough, about a third of a mile from where they parked and around a number of turns and curves that trace the side of a mountain they came upon roads blocked with rocks, felled trees, burning tires and angry men with machetes and rocks ready to attack. The exchanges were not friendly and staff and parents were horrified that the children had to witness such behavior in their own community.

Thanks to informed non-violent actions and wise communication by staff, everyone was permitted to pass without harm and they proceeded to pass numerous barricades to get to school.  Once there, they gathered everyone already at school and got messages to those on the way to avoid the main road but to come and join the meeting of staff, parents, and students.

Coming together in an ambiance of mutual respect, where every voice matters, being able to share what’s on your heart creates calming conditions where we’re better able to think creatively and feel compassion. For those who have felt traumatized, time and space like this can begin the healing process.

Striving to carry on and adapt to an ever-changing environment and to not allow circumstances to overwhelm nor debilitate you becomes the daily preoccupation. While Haitians are known for being resilient and accustomed to enduring tremendous hardship, these last nine months have been unprecedented even for Haitians.

The following Sunday parent leaders organized a meeting with protesters who were willing to come. There were those who were convinced that there would be violence in the meeting. On the contrary, there was respectful dialogue. The meeting was led by a parent who demonstrated great skill in creating conditions for people to feel respected and heard. People shared what was on their hearts. They found common ground in discussing their children’s futures and the importance of education.

Please click on this link to get more information on how the staff, parents and children – dedicated so completely to education as the way to a better life – stood their ground with courage, respect and compassion.

Click here to learn how you can get involved.