Download EDUSC Haiti Safety and Etiquette Guide for Visitors to Cange

EDUSC Haiti Safety and Etiquette Guide for Visitors to Cange, Plateau Central
Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you are soon to travel to Haiti. More specifically you will
be traveling to Haiti's mountainous Central Plateau region to visit the small rural town of Cange.
You are embarking on a journey of presence, of action, of companionship and of faith. You are
entering your own relationship with the people of Cange and continuing the relationship
between Cange and the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Relationships require effort and
commitment on both sides, and this guide will help you be the best advocate, friend, and
supporter of the people of Cange, Haiti.
This guide is meant to assist you in your preparations, in your journey, and in your return home.
It is also meant to align each of us in our collective companionship with Cange's people. This
guide will enhance our broad cross-cultural relationship by ensuring each EDUSC visitor travels
to Haiti in a respectful, thoughtful, and culturally-aware way. Our Haitian hosts are our partners,
and they have made an enormous effort to make our stay safe and pleasant. By adhering to this
guide we uphold our side of this relationship and are mindful of the lives we are entering.
Companion: Latin: com-together + panis-bread, Old French: Compaignon-“one who breaks
bread with another,” English: “one that accompanies another”
You Are Not Alone
You have a responsibility to the overall mission of the church and a responsibility to the people
of Haiti to monitor your own actions and words. Never forget that your presence here is a
continuation of a long history of visits by foreign people to Haiti. Your conduct and attitude will
mold Haitians' overall opinions of visiting groups both in the past and future. You are acting as a
diplomat between Haitians and people from the United States and abroad. It's important to
always be conscious of this fact.
This responsibility also comes with a history of support. Many have faced the same spiritual and
emotional challenges on their visits that you will face, though these challenges certainly affect
each of us in different ways. God’s presence is with you, with your fellow travelers, and with
Haiti. Take advantage of that as you process what you experience—pray, discuss, and reflect
with others in your group and locals you meet. A personal journal and regular discussions with
friends can help enrich the relationship you are entering on your trip.
General Etiquette
Though you are drastically changing your daily routine on your visit, you are interacting with
people who are living their daily lives. You will see children in vibrant uniforms walking to school,
men grinding corn by operating small hand-turned machines and women selling goods in the
roadside market. Remember that though these things are novel to you, they are commonplace
for Haitians. It is vital to respect the intimacy of this insight into our neighbors' lives. Respectful
behavior means refraining from pointing, interrupting, or photographing people in their own
homes and communities. It would likely be unsettling for you to have a group of strangers come
into each part of your daily routine at home and work to take pictures, talk, point, and interrupt
your activities. Keep this in mind throughout your visit. It is best to observe quietly first—there is
time for analyzing and processing later.
Taking photographs is an important part of your trip. But remember, you are entering the daily
life of a different culture. Be mindful of this fact when you take pictures and be sure that you are
not disruptive. If you are traveling in a group, we recommend you assign one photographer who
then shares photographs with the group after the trip. Asking permission to take a photograph is
necessary and polite. Sometimes people will refuse. When interacting with children and young
people, however, it is common for them to request photos. This is a great opportunity to use
your camera to have some fun. Children generally enjoy seeing the pictures taken of them.
Giving is an important part of our relationship. Sometimes, however, freely giving can become
toxic to a relationship if not done with care. Only donate through organizations that are familiar
with the community's needs rather than simply giving things to those who ask. The
organizations at work in Cange can distribute your donations in the most effective way thanks to
their familiarity with the community and its needs. Supporting these organizations, rather than
individuals directly, helps strengthen these Haitian institutions in their local mission. As a group,
please organize any material or financial donations and present them to Zanmi Lasante or Bon
Sauveur parish at the end of your stay. Donating as a group to an organization avoids creating
the expectation that all visitors are willing and able to give their resources while also avoiding
creating dependency on arbitrary visits.
You will likely receive numerous requests for money, food, and miscellaneous items. Keep in
mind that though your visit could be your only time coming to Haiti, foreign visitors in general are
not unusual for Cange. Giving out goods or donations directly creates a perception that foreign
visitors are simply arriving to hand out. If you are approached about school scholarships,
support for language training, money for a family or organization, or any other request, consult
with the trip leader before taking any action. After this initial consultation within your group, it is
best to talk with Marie Flore of Zanmi Lasante or with the priest of the Bon Sauveur parish to
decide what action is best.
Email/Social Media: You may be asked for your email or social media information (ex.
Facebook, Twitter, etc.). On occasion, the expectation of people who request your email is quite
high, including requests for financial assistance after you have left. Consider the possibilities of
continuing communication before providing your contact information. Provide no contact
information whatsoever unless you intend to follow through. If you receive requests via email,
follow the same procedures mentioned above—consult your group leader and Marie Flore of
Zanmi Lasante or the priest of Bon Sauveur parish before taking any action.
Flexibility is an important tool for making your experience enjoyable and productive. Tardiness is
a part of Haitian life. A laid-back approach to scheduling is common. Unpredictable obstacles for
transportation are frequent and can cause significant changes to plans and lateness, so always
be flexible. Take these moments as a part of the experience, as a window into understanding
the culture and life in Haiti.
Receiving assistance: It is common in large public places for Haitians to offer assistance. For
example, men might want to carry your bags out of the airport or young men might attempt to
assist you physically or verbally as you visit public tourist sites. Do not be shy in refusing these
advances unless you will pay them afterwards. Payment is expected. Note: This behavior is
mostly encountered outside of Cange. When help is offered to you within the complex or
walking to villages, it is generally a gesture of the gracious hospitality of the Haitian people.
Safety and Health
Safety is an important and heavily discussed topic for visitors coming to Haiti. These
conversations are important, because much of the safety concerns in Haiti are mitigated by
simply educating yourself on things like food, culture and climate.
Food Only eat food that has been prepared by the Zanmi Lasante staff. All food prepared for
you in the compound is safe. Bring snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, etc. Packaged snacks
(cookies, chips) are available in the Cange market and are safe to eat.
Water Bring at least two large reusable water bottles. Only drink water from water coolers. The
tap water is suitable for bathing but is not yet potable. Other drinks are available in the market
and at The View, a local restaurant, but should be consumed in moderation. Ice served in the
complex is safe for consumption. Haiti is hot. You will consume more water than you may be
used to. Dehydration is serious and can be prevented with proper preparation. Stay hydrated!
Vaccinations Chloroquine for malaria prevention will be provided and is important for keeping
you healthy. Begin taking the medication one week before travel and take weekly thereafter for
4 weeks after your return. The best preventive measure for malaria is avoidance of mosquito
bites. Protective clothing and DEET are recommended. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A are
recommended, and is best at least 4 weeks before travel with a booster 6 months after.
Hepatitis B series is advised if hospital patient contact is planned. Up to date Tetanus and
Influenza vaccines are suggested. Typhoid vaccine is also recommended
Other Medications Traveler’s diarrhea is common. A brief episode of diarrhea without fever or
generalized symptoms may pass harmlessly without treatment. Bring PeptoBismol or other
similar medication and drink lots of fluids (tablet forms of this medication is best for travel
because they weigh less and are more portable). If diarrhea symptoms persist more than 12
hours or are accompanied by fever, sweats, and generalized malaise, most doctors recommend
Ciprofloxin 500 mg. twice a day for 5-7 days, though keep in mind that this drug is quite
powerful and can kill good bacteria in your stomach as well. Take it in more extreme situations
though bringing this antibiotic is recommended. Bring other medications you may need as well.
Logistics
The rate for room, board, and transportation with Zanmi Lasante is US$55/night/person. Your
trip leader should collect group room and board funds in advance.
Dress is generally casual but conservative. Long pants provide less surface area for
mosquitoes, and most men in Haiti wear pants as opposed to shorts on a daily basis. However,
shorts are acceptable and more comfortable. Haitian women often wear knee-length skirts, but
pants or long shorts are perfectly acceptable as well. Pack according to your preference, but
keep in mind that more modest is best. Always wear shoes to avoid issues with foot parasites,
fungi, or broken glass, etc. Comfortable casual walking shoes are best, though hiking boots
might be warranted if you know you are planning excursions. Laundry service is available, but it
is done by hand so be considerate and thank the staff for their good care.
On behalf of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, the Diocese of Haiti and Zanmi Lasante, we
wish to thank you for your willingness to engage in this relationship. Participants come away
renewed with the feeling that they received far more than they gave. Thanks be to God for our
relationship with the people of Cange and the Plateau Central.