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UUSC-UUA JustWorks Youth Delegation to Haiti
Help build an eco-village and sustainable community!
Building a foundation at the MPP eco-village.
Central Plateau, Haiti
August 20–27, 2011
Are you a youth or young adult dedicated to social justice? The UUA and UUSC want you to be part of a special delegation to Haiti this summer to work in solidarity with the Papaye Peasant Movement (MPP), a UUSC partner. This trip offers up-and-coming social-justice leaders a unique opportunity to work with populist leaders in Haiti and learn about the particular challenges facing rural residents in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. Since 1973, MPP has effectively organized to improve the lives of thousands of peasants. This delegation will support their work and listen to their stories.
During the trip, participants will assist MPP with an ambitious eco-village project, which will provide homes and livelihoods for Haitians displaced by the earthquake. In collaboration with UUSC, MPP is constructing homes for 40 displaced families and using innovative green building techniques and materials, including earth bricks produced on site. Residents of the eco-village will receive instruction from local MPP farmers on sustainable, organic agriculture methods. The vision is a village of former Port-au-Prince residents that have the skills to grow food to feed themselves as well as to generate income — a true sustainable community.
The delegation of youth and young adults will work with MPP on ongoing projects at the eco-village site. Past volunteers dug trenches, hauled cement, moved rocks, and assisted with masonry. It is very hot in Haiti, and the work is physically demanding; good physical fitness and a positive attitude are required. All participants will complete pre-trip readings, participate in daily discussions while in Haiti, and organize a post-trip project.
Itinerary
Saturday, August 20: Arrive in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Sunday, August 21: Travel to MPP's National Peasant Training Center in the Central Plateau for orientation.
Monday-Friday, August 22–26: Work at eco-village site for most of the day; afternoons will include cultural or educational programs. Evenings will feature group reflection.
Saturday, August 27: Early morning departure from MPP; return to Port-au-Prince to travel home.
For ages:
The trip is intended for youth and young adults aged 15–23. There are several spots open to adults who wish to accompany youth or are interested in working with young people on social-justice issues. If you are an adult thinking that this trip might be right for you, please don’t hesitate to apply!
Participation fee:
The cost per participant is $400. This includes all meals, lodging, in-country transportation, and interpreters. Participants are responsible for covering the cost of airfare and vaccinations (see below for more information on vaccinations).
We are able to offer the trip at this price due to generous support by the Veatch Program of the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, N.Y.
Please note:
It is recommended that participants receive vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you are considering this trip, consult with a travel clinic for the most up to date list of recommended vaccinations. Check with your health-insurance provider to see if travel vaccinations are covered, as the cost for vaccinations without coverage can be as high as $1,000.
Trip Leaders:
Evan Seitz, UUSC Associate for Experiential Learning and Youth Services
Wendy Flick, UUSC Haiti Emergency Response Manager
Application Deadline:
July 17, 2011
Application Description:
Please
fill out our online application. If you have questions about this
application, please e-mail csj@uusc.org.
For information contact:
This trip is in the past.
