Perspectives
April 23, 2010
9
Haiti: where helping hurts Jacob Sims
Collegian Contributing Writer The bus crosses abruptly out of the relative prosperity of the Dominican Republic into a true wasteland. The ground is immediately devoid of all life. Buildings are no more than a few sticks holding up weathered tarps. A young boy looks into the window of the bus with deep, hollow eyes. He motions for food, but his sunken figure and swollen belly already communicate his dire need. I came to Haiti for this purpose, to help put an end to such suffering. Now I am here and I can do nothing. I hold his gaze for a moment then turn my face away, never to look back. It is almost unbearable to see such intense suffering with the knowledge that little can be done to stop it. How can such intense poverty exist less than 200 miles from the luxurious southern tip of Florida? Astronomical numbers of aid shipments are flowing in. The World Food Bank alone provides enough each week to feed the majority of the coun-
try.Yet, after decades of intense aid efforts, the situation hasn’t improved; in fact it may be getting worse. Sure, the earthquake set things back, but there must be something wrong with this country, with these people. This whole mess isn’t America’s fault. Or is it? According to the Department of the Treasury, the United States contributes over $150 million in direct monetary aid to Haiti annually. The U.S. also provides over $60 million in humanitarian aid each year. These figures don’t include the billions in aid brought from other countries or from non-government organizations working in the country. It is not a question of whether or not Haiti needs help. The country consistently ranks as the poorest in the western hemisphere and among the most impoverished in the world. Despite all the aid coming in, Haiti remains one of just four countries with over 50 percent of the population considered “malnourished.” So perhaps the real questions are, “Where is the money going? Why isn’t it making a
difference?” To answer the first question, look to Haiti’s government. It is corrupt, perhaps beyond repair. All international aid must pass directly through the government.Very little of that money ever trickles down to the Haitian people who need it most. Perhaps less country-to-country giving might be in order until the government is able to successfully reform itself. Money given directly to the government, however, accounts for less than half of Haiti’s total aid. The rest of the money comes from charitable organizations and international relief groups such as the World Food Bank. These groups primarily focus on providing immediate relief directly to the people. Though this sounds like a good approach, few groups ever take the next step. With so much aid coming in and no direction on how to move forward, most Haitians become permanently dependent on aid for their survival. The situation essentially amounts to an entire country on welfare. Haiti ranked dead last in the most recent Global Trade
Progressive mandate Brittany Foor
Collegian Contributing Writer During the 2008 presidential campaign, John McCain claimed that the election was a contest between his own neo-Reaganism and Barack Obama’s supposed socialism. The result was that McCain lost ground not only in traditional blue states, but also in traditional red states. The Vision and Values confer-
ence pulled this situation apart during a session with Dr. Paul Kengor, executive director of the Center for Vision and Values. After citing numerous Gallup Polls, Kengor concluded that America “is not a liberal-progressive country. It is a conservative country, as shown in poll after poll, basically unchanged for decades now.” Vision and Values Fellow Matt Costlow agreed, saying, “I was encour-
aged to learn more about the 2008 election and how it was not a referendum on conservatism, or a vote for progressivism, but rather anger at the past administration and its policies.” In short, while our government is currently progressive, its electorate is not. Explanations of Nov. 4, 2008 that were proposed at last week’s conference Progressives 10 included
Report from the World Economic Forum. This statistic primarily indicates that Haiti’s only significant contribution to world economics is as a recipient of aid. This total dependence on foreign assistance plays a large role in keeping societies like Haiti from advancing. Due to Haiti’s history and current situation, distrust toward Americans is prolific. “Haitians are very cognizant of their dire need for aid and where it comes from,” Michael Hudson, a Haitian pastor working towards economic development in the country, said. “From the average Haitian’s perspective, America gives aid for the purpose of keeping us enslaved and holding power over our nation.” Though Americans would deny such motives, it is undeniable that misguided aid can in fact bring more harm than relief. “Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” This old saying rings true in the difficult situation in Haiti. In reality, around 98 percent of aid entering Haiti – and other
developing countries -- is of the “give a fish” kind. On the other hand, teaching the poor how to help themselves is proving to be a successful strategy. Brian Oldrieve, president of Foundations for Farming, developed a methodology for training farmers in innovative and environmentally sustainable practices. Foundations for Farming has a strong presence in Africa and just recently began operations in Haiti. By following the program, the average farmer is able to achieve a 600 percent gain in yield after just one year. With such an increase, the farmer is not only able to feed his family, but also to earn a profit. By helping locals create capital, Foundations for Farming shows how responsible giving and service can make a serious impact. American citizens make a direct impact on the kind of work that is done in countries like Haiti through their donations. If this generation wishes to see growth in such impoverished nations, it must support, work for and start organizations that take a well thought-out and holistic approach to aid.
GREEN EYESHADE AWARD This week’s award goes to senior Thomas Alberti for his lyrical and insightful review of “Alice in Wonderland.” The Collegian Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors who have demonstrated consistency and excellence in their work. Each week, the Collegian editors select a reporter, photgrapher or business personnel member who has made a valuable contribution to the paper. Winners receive a $5 voucher to the GeDunk. Thomas Alberti Instituted in 2006, the award is sponsored by the College’s Communications Office. It makes a valuable addition to a portfolio or resume.
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Corrections In the April 16th issue, sophomore Andrew Yellis’ trip to Atlanta should have been listed as April 13-14. Also, the article should end with “I’m just trying not to worry about how they found my address.”
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