One strong voice for women educators in Haiti : Haiti Educator and Leadership Institute Day 1

We have spent 24 hours in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. What an incredible 24 hours it has been!

There were 29 who traveled from Toronto and Montreal yesterday. We met six who had traveled separately to Cap and today the last four participants arrived bringing our team to a total of 39.

Some spent the morning going to Catholic mass while others shopped at a local market. This afternoon the different groups worked on final preparation for the Educator and Leadership Institute.

This included four groups:

• Teacher and Principal professional training (18)
• Children's science camp and university student ESL program (13)
• Technology and teaching (4)
• Research and administrative support (4)

In tonight's debrief session we were asked to consider one word to describe the first 24 hours in Haiti. People chose words like:

• Overwhelming
• Friendly
• Hot (!)
• Welcoming
• Contentment
• Happy

We have been joined by a number of key Haitian partners. Central to our efforts in Haiti is a partnership with College Regina Assumpta. This was a school I was first introduced to when I made my first exploratory trip to Cap-Haitien six years ago. It has been an incredible partnership primarily because of two very strong female leaders: Sr. Vierginat and Sr. Yannick. The motto of their school is based on empowering young Haitian women. And they live this out every day.

An illustration ... when we arrived at the airport yesterday, we were held up at Haitian Customs for a long time because of the computer equipment that we brought with us. We were getting nowhere in our "negotiations" that these resources were being used for professional learning and were NOT being given (or sold) to Haitians.

The doors to the airport were closed. Then Sr. Vierginat demanded to come in. The officers quickly complied. Sr. Vierginat is not one to take lightly! She soon was in control of the situation in a very dignified, and forceful, manner. This morning we received all of our materials with no further issues!

We are delighted to be working with strong partners like Sr. Vierginat. Our goal is to build the capacity of another generation of empowered Haitian leaders through education. Why education? This infographic tells a compelling story: