| Haitian Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Port-au-Prince |
| Language: | Haitian Creole & French |
| Ethnic groups: | 95.0% black, 5% multiracial and white |
| Demonym: | Haitian |
| Area: | 27,751 km2 |
| Population: | 9,035,536 (2009) |
| Currency: | Gourde (HTG) |
| Time zone: | PET (UTC-5) |
View the image gallery from the 2011 mission
After many months of planning, STIMMA finally made its way to Haiti. 36 very eager volunteers from all over Canada made the long journey to Haiti to help the country rebuild after the earthquake of 2010. The team was about to embark on many journeys. It was the first trip for many, including our first CONSTRUCTION!
Everyone worked very well together. Within 2 days the team was interacting as if they had known each other for years. A tight bond quickly formed - the team laughed together, cried together and shared together.
The construction crew worked extremely long hours under the hot Haitian sun. They worked alongside about 20 Haitians, and together they built the first floor of a 2 level home. The home was to be given as a gift to a family that had been displaced by the earthquake. It was amazing how the team worked well with the Haitians - within hours the teams had created their own unique way of communicating with one another - no translators required!
The medical team traveled daily to various sites. Some were closer and others were up to a one hour drive. This gave the medical team the unique opportunity to appreciate the beautiful country side of Haiti. There is so much more to Haiti than just the earthquake and the rubble that it created. The shore line was breathtaking and the greenery was outstanding.
Of course none of this would have been possible without the help of our amazing translators! About 15-20 young men and women helped the STIMMA team. They made us feel safe, they helped us communicate, they helped us understand Haiti - and for that we will be forever indebted to them. They are a spectacular bunch and truly exemplify the Haitian spirit.
In the end, in a period of less than 2 weeks, STIMMA volunteers fed over 600 families, provided jobs for about 50 Haitians, finished an entire first floor of a house, treated 1760 patients and made 40 new friends that will forever be in our hearts.
If you would like to help, please donate or send us an email to learn about our upcoming relief efforts.