Haiti? No... South Dakota

As any of my followers know, I've applied to Teach for America and I'm in the waiting period.  The face to face interview is in a few days.  But in the meantime, I've been teaching English to my kids in Haiti and reading everything I can about South Dakota.  So this is what I've found. Alcoholism affects 8 out of 10 families. The housing shortage is large. There are families that live for months in a tent.  An average of 17 people live in a house built for four. Approximately 49% of the households are without electricity. The houses are lacking stoves, refrigerators, beds and furniture. Water is stored in fifty gallon containers. Malnutrition is rampant. Families lack money to buy food. Tuberculosis, pneumonia, alcohol related accidents, and violence is common place.  Twelve year old children have been treated because of venereal diseases.  Early sexual activity leads to a high number of teen pregnancies. Diabetes is found in 45% of the adults. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effects including abnormalities affects every aspect of the population.  Bi-polarity and manic depressive disorder lead to suicide. Teen suicide is the second leading cause of teen death rates.  The rate for abuse and neglect is double the US rate. 40% of all cases of child abuse are not reported. Sexual abuse causes changes in school performance, aggressiveness, depression and suicide attempts. 

I find it amazing how many similarities there are between the South Dakota kids and my Haiti kids.  What may be seen as a great disparity between the United States and Haiti is not so different in reality. It's time someone started shouting this from the hilltop. 

South Dakota? No.... Haiti

Sphygmomanometers

The week of learning about bio-medical equipment begins by learning about blood pressure meters.  To be able to fix a piece of equipment one must know how it works.  Mackenzy, Elie, Jhonny and Jivenson are pleased to become professional sphygmomanometer technicians.  They reported yesterday that they took a test and successfully passed with flying colors!  Of course I had no doubt they would.  The improvement of the world begins with the empowerment of the individuals!

Future Bio-medical equipment technicians

I would like to announce the acceptance of four of the future leaders of Haiti into the Rotary Bio-medical equipment technician program. The students each received a full scholarship for a two year program where they will learn how to install and repair medical equipment. The Rotary Tech program has also committed to accepting more of my students in 2013 when the next class begins. I would like to congratulate Elie Francois, Mackenzy Désir, Jivenson Joseph and Jhonny Lindor for their commitment to furthering their education, learning English and helping their country. If you would like to help pay for their transportation by bus to the city about 60 miles from where they live, (not included in the scholarship) please let me know. I am one proud mom and teacher!

Elie

MacKenzy

Jhonny

Jivenson