Cite Militaire: Aid Distribution
Brazilian members of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) make weekly visits to the bullet riddled Ecole Mixte Le Cerveau in the Cite Militaire neighborhood of Port-au-Prince in order to distribute aid and educate the students on topics such as hygiene.
Careful attention is payed to hygiene education. Skits put on by the soldiers attempt to educate the children on washing and taking care of their bodies. Other anecdotes like songs are used to educate and keep the students engaged and attentive. In the above photo, a demonstration on proper brushing techniques is given to the students.
Water distribution is also an important component to MINUSTAH's operation here. After demonstrations on hygiene and exercise, the children are given bags filled with toothbrushs and school supplies; pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners and notebooks. At the end, the children are given snacks and juice and watch a movie about Brazilian soldiers.
When eating everyday is a struggle for the vast majority of Haitians, it is little wonder that many schools in Haiti are inadequately equipped; a lack of reading material and school supplies is common - not to mention they are often without electricity, poorly staffed and the facilities themselves are often nothing more than a room with benches and, if lucky, a chalkboard or two. The Brazilian effort is an attempt to establish trust within the Cite Militaire community in hopes that it will then allow for more cooperation and trust between MINUSTAH and the population. Brazilian engineers are building a road in Cite Militaire with the cooperation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). One month ago, soldiers could not stand on the roof of the school - where the majority of their operation takes place - without taking on fire. It's a positive step, but the root problems must be addressed and potential 'fixes' debated vigorously by the community, if the mission is to succeed.
Comments
Nick,
Great photos. The expressions on the people's faces are amazing. I think it's great that you are reporting on the positive role MINUSTAH is playing in Haiti.
Love,
Tony
Posted by: Tony Whalen | October 21, 2006 01:06 PM
Why is it that our most precious resources are neglected the most? It is a wonder that we can allow the future, the next generation, to suffer so much. It is difficult enough to be poor but to have to worry about surviving another day of violence!!!!! Nick, I hear ya and as reflected around many parts of the world today we have our work cut out for us.
Posted by: George Brun | October 22, 2006 06:50 AM
Dear Nick,
I have been in Haiti, in a role similar to yours.
Your courage is commendable. The photos are good. Your emphasis on Haiti as a largely safe country is so important.
But I am concerned that your good intentions don't bring the reality of a place like Site Soleil, where the UN forces - especially the out-of-control Jordanians - are hated. It seems obvious that you can't teach hygene while you are killing the people, including many kids.
The UN has NOT been a peacemaker in Haiti! They have commited many gross violations of Human Rights, and are seen by the vast majority as the problem, not the solution. They also happen to do the elite's bidding, which means killing the poor. Preval said initially that the UN should exchange their guns for shovels and tractors to help build the economic base of Haiti.
The UN seems deaf in that ear.
The outside (western ) world does not comprehend the fact that the UN is engaged in criminal activities in Haiti!
That they are NOT the 'blue helmets', but the Black Helmets.
They are used and abused by the big three, the white (and black elite) bosses, to do their dirty work.
They have a terrible record in Haiti.
I have seen the results of their raids myself.
To show their hygene lessons really only serves their propaganda aims.
Perhaps you could reflect on the effect your reporting has in this sense.
I am sure you want to affect change for the people of Haiti. To report the feelings and stories of the majority in an attempt to bring the truth to the citizens of the occupying/manipulating nations - US, France, Canada - and through it peace to a suffering people in Haiti, that is the task. The rest is the domain of the elite-owned media and AP/Reuters: 'Running with Power' - spin for western consumption. "Chimere" is their invention." Chimere" is a death warrant.
Forgive my lecturing, - I hope we can all be successful at bringing peace to the beautiful people of Haiti.
In that spirit -Men anpil chay pa lou!
Posted by: Christian Heyne | October 26, 2006 10:16 PM
To Christian:
I appreciate your concern but one thing you're leaving out about the mood of the majority of the population in Haiti is that they're tired of the power the gangs in places like Cité Soleil have. The people of Cité Soleil are held hostage by both MINUSTAH and the gangs.
I just got back from Haiti and had the pleasure of sharing conversation with a good friend of mine who happens to be the director of the police academy. He feels strongly that MINUSTAH needs to stay in Haiti until security can be established in Port-au-Prince, but he also feels just as strongly that security must come through peaceful means, in accord with Préval.
The biggest crime being committed by MINUSTAH in Haiti is apathy and laziness. They haven't earned the name of TOURISTAH for nothing. Last Saturday night I went to Club Med in Montrouis and saw more UN vehicles there than in any other single location (aside from their logistics base near the airport).
"Chimere" isn't the invention of outsiders. Chimere is the invention of a president who was desperate to hold power and utilized the same techniques that have been used in Haiti for ages - mobilize the masses for mob rule.
The Lavalas movement moves on in Haiti, but as initially intended the bad is being washed away so the good elements can remain. And that is where Haiti holds its current "Lespwa."
Posted by: Anonymous | November 3, 2006 07:03 AM