Though times in Haiti are certainly not the best, there is much to be said for the Caribbean nation which proudly celebrated its bicentennial on January 1, 2004. Considering the nation's unique history and struggle for independence, 200 years marks quite a victory for the Haitian people.
Made up in largest part by descendents of West-African slaves, January 1st is one of the most celebrated days for the Haitian population. It was on that date in 1804 that Haiti's earliest African population defeated their French slaveholders in a fierce battle, marking the beginning of liberty for the long-tortured and enslaved Afro-Haitian population. That date made Haiti the second independently formed nation in the Western world (after America), and the first free, black republic in the world. Interestingly enough, the Haitian flag today shows great resemblance to the red, white and blue flag of France. There is one symbolic difference however—the missing white stripe in the Haitian flag. In 1802, amidst the ongoing negotiation and battle between the African and French armies, the great warrior and hero of Haitian independence, Jean Jacques Dessalines, ripped the white out of what would soon become Haiti's official flag. Dessalines was said to have done this as a direct statement that the white man was being ripped out of Haiti.
Though certainly much more complex than just this brief synopsis can provide, the history of Haiti is clearly one that holds within it many great lessons. Furthermore, the evident strength, courage, survival and perseverance of the Haitian people over so many generations is something that indeed cannot be underestimated.
This last thought is one that must be taken to heart today, as Haiti struggles to make it past some of its most menacing obstacles ever. Now the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and among the top five poorest countries in the world, Haiti does have more than its fair share of challenges to overcome. Crippled by political, economic, environmental and social instability, masses of Haitian people fight simply to survive each and every day. A nearly non-existent and still crumbling infrastructure make the prospects for development and economic progress in the country rather grim. As if these challenges were not enough, the continued state of political unrest, which intermittently (and currently) freezes life and business in the country's port areas, makes life for most all of Haiti's estimated 9 million people painstakingly difficult. Consequently over 80% of the Haitian people live in poverty; many without access to clean water, health care, proper lodging, or an adequate food supply.
With all of this in mind, the question looms: how does a country with such destitute conditions exist on the doorstep of the United States of America, nearer to the coast of Florida than is Florida to the majority of its fellow states? It is this disturbing question that begs an answer from those of us living in the very hands of prosperity and justice, and which leads groups like Mission MANNA to invest in a better future for the Haitian people.
The bleakness of Haiti's current condition is undeniable and thus a vision for its future progress is perhaps hard to embrace and believe in. Bearing this in mind, we as outsiders must look to the hopes, dreams, and basic human rights of Haiti's people in order to find motivation to help them in moving forward. In addition, we must consider our own individual responsibilities as able men and women, to help make a difference in the lives of our fellow souls in such need.
Of Haiti's almost 9 million people, over 3,600,000 are under the age of 15. The majority of these kids are willing, able, determined and ready to be both further educated and employed. They alone, given the chance to thrive and develop properly, are the key to ensuring a stronger future for Haiti and its ever-growing population of young people. Without that chance, and without the resources which they need, those 3.6 million youth will face decades of despair and suffering. That is why now is the time for the rest of us standing by to invest in at least a beginning, to prevent millions more potentially world-changing Haitian individuals from not being given the opportunity to have a fair shot at life.