On s'est aimé comme on se quitte...

... This is a popular French song from Joe Dassin

On s'est aimé comme on se quitte

Tout simplement sans penser à demain

À demain qui vient toujours un peu trop vite

Aux adieux qui quelque fois se passent un peu trop bien

We loved each other the way we left each other

Simply without thinking about tomorrow

To tomorrow that always comes to quickly

And Goodbyes that sometimes go too well

Lucardo and I started singing this song on Friday, while packing our things to leave the office. it was our way of saying Goodbye, without really saying it. We knew this would be a "see you soon" moment, and we had such a great day. 

I gave my last 2 English classes in the morning. We then had a nice party for all the students. I had made guacamole and sangria, two things the students had never heard of, and they were a hit! Lucardo had bought cupcakes, cookies and other snacks. We had music, the neighbourhood kids came and danced. 

The students were happy to receive a certificate of participation for the English course. They all wanted to take pictures with theirs, which is pretty surprising considering they don't like pictures usually!

It was a perfect end to a great summer. We'll all be in touch, even when I'm back in Canada. The people I met and spent time with this summer will follow me everywhere. 

Cheers, to an amazing summer, to the wonderful people I met and to friendship!

From left to right: Myself, Frantz, Jean Paul aka J-P, Alfredo aka Alfie,
Chardley, Noémise and Lourdia

Listen, Learn & Enjoy!

When I was first trying to learn to speak Kreyol, I found that listening to music was the best way for me to practice on my own. Now that I understand and am able to have a decent conversation in Kreyol, I enjoy Haitian music so much more. The beats are so cheerful and most of the time the lyrics present Haiti's reality, the good and the bad, but mostly the incredible potential you can find.

In hopes of opening you up to a new style of music, new artists, and a perhaps all together new culture, here are some great summer hits for you. It's almost the end of summer, so pump these up, listen, learn and ENJOY!


Enjoy- J Perry,  & Dekole - J Perry, Wyclef Jean, Izolan, Luck Mervil and Shabba

Business or Pleasure? Humm, Both!

Last year, our micro-business students attended a training program with SOFHIDES ( the Haitian Financial Society of development, which works on the economic development of Haiti by supporting investments, businesses, providing training, etc. See http://www.sofihdes.com/).  The students who attended the business training program were interested in starting their own small business. In order to evaluate the training and get feedback from the students about their experience and their businesses, we decided to get them to fill out a questionnaire, and I would compile the results into a report.

Last week I started meeting the students. Marie Nicole, Martine and Jean Thony came to the office a Thursday afternoon. Picture myself translating the English questionnaire in Creole, considering that I don’t speak creole perfectly and I sometimes just take the “r” out of French words, and change the “u” sound to an “I” sound so that they understand!

Too shy to look at the camera, KCH business students spent
the afternoon with me filing out the questionnaire.

Well, it took us about 2 ½ hours to answer the questionnaire because we were laughing so much. We were joking about their answers; I was trying to get them to answer fully and give more detail, not be shy about speaking their mind. Haitians have a tendency not give too many details, maybe out of fear, I’m not sure.

We spent the whole afternoon laughing and it made my day, considering that my morning class din’t go as smoothly as I wanted. I find this happens a lot here; something will happen that might discourage you, or put you down a bit, but within a few hours you get turned around by people you meet, or a new event.  The unexpected is always welcomed.

Moving forward together

As I had mentioned a few posts back, I was given a classroom to teach in for the summer. Lucardo and I told the owner of the school that if any of his students wanted to attend the class as well, they were more than welcomed to. Five weeks went by without a neighborhood kid showing up. I’ve been told that Haitians do not like things that are free, or they think free things are not good for them, except for food that is. This is my first concern. I am not sure if this is the result of having so many organizations in the country that don’t really have an impact on daily lives, or jut the mentality of Haitians. I am still thinking about this.

Back to what I was saying…

Issues with free services could explain why it took 5 weeks for me to get these neighborhood kids to come to my class. Maybe it was seeing the KCH students come regularly that encouraged them.

One of these students from the neighborhood, a young man of 23 years old if my memory is good, gave me a piece of paper last week on which he had written:

“ Bonjou Chè Ariane, jodia mwen vle ekriw ti biyè sa jis poum diw mwen vle pou ta banm yon travay. OK mèsi.” [ Good morning Ariane, today I am giving you this note because I would like you to to give me work. Ok, thanks.]

At first I didn’t understand…He wants homework? He wants me to give him an exam? Ohhh, he wants work, as in JOB. Ah! This brings me to my second concern…

I asked him what job he wanted. He said: "Nenpòt" [Anything]. Knowing more and more about Haiti and Haitians, I knew this wasn’t true. So I asked him in creole “ Do you want to lift cement, lift iron rods, lift wood?.” “Non non non!”[No] was his reponse, while waving his hand in front of me,

“Well then, you don’t want just ANY job. So what do you want?”

… No answer.

“You need to know what you want to do. Do you want to sweep floors?” Knowing too well what his answer would be, I asked this question with an ulterior motive. Yes, I did. After all, I’m in Haiti because I want to see change. Change in behaviors, in attitudes, change in the country. I used to be idealistic, now you could say I just speak my mind because reality is harsh, and work is necessary to change.

The young man answered that he does not what to sweep floors. Why?

“Ayisyen genyen twòp konplèks" [Haitians have too many issues, prejudices towards themselves.]

That’s what I expected to hear. Well, at 8:30 am, I was ready for this discussion and I so I gave them a lesson: Ayiti pap janm dekole si okun moun pa vle bale!! [Haiti will never take off if no one wants to sweep floors!]. This was followed by a speech about how, if Haitians know they have these issues and prejudices, they are able to let go of them. If you are conscious that you have certain issues it is your choice to decide to stick with them or not. For Haiti to move on, individuals must start moving on. I told them how in Canada, white, black, brown, yellow, old and young, everyone sweeps, and we want to move forward. Of course Canada is much different than Haiti, but that is really not the point. With their eyes wide open, their jaws on the floor, I finished by telling them that if I didn’t like Haiti, I would not be here, so I am saying this out of love.

It was quite a start to the day, one I hope they will remember for a while, or it at least think about.

Exam time

I finally gave my students their first exam for the English class. I know, it should have been done at least one or two weeks ago. But Haiti is the land of improvisation! Last week some of my students told me they wouldn't be able to come to class because of exams they had for school, I therefore had to postpone my exam. Well, Friday (yesterday), I finally gave them the exam. I have to say It was nice to take a break from teaching! For the essay question part, I gave them 3 choices of subject; 1) You are the president of Haiti, 2) you are a famous celebrity, 3) you are a world traveller, Tell me about you, about your life. Well, one of my students, Chardley, who is enthusiastic, works hard (sometimes too hard) proceeded to writing a full on presidential campaign! He was still writing 45 minutes after everyone else was done. It goes to show that many Haitians do care about politics, what government should be doing, and have great ideas. For Chardley, the Haitian government should be focusing on education, agriculture and tourism. I couldn't agree more. I would also add building roads to the list (still thinking about my crazy drive to Cap Haitien!). 

When I read or get my students to talk about politics or social issues, I have hope for change and I am reminded just how much this generation, my generation, can get the ball rolling and is ready to embrace change. 

After the exam, we celebrated TGIF with 7Up and Doritos. Who would've thought chips could bring so much excitement to the office....or was it just the fact that the weekend was at our doorstep?  ... This is one of my favourite pictures or moments. Alfredo on the left eating and holding up a sign with his favourite expressions, J-P accepting to get his picture taken, and Beatrice, a kind woman I just met.

Okap / Cap Haïtien

Cap Haïtien is the second biggest city in Haiti, and an important part of Haiti's colonial period when it served as the capital of the French Colony. Henri Christophe was the "King of the North"* after the slave revolution that brought Haiti's independence on January 1st 1804. 

The canal/water front in the middle of the city.

From Port-au-Prince, the road to Cap Haïtien is...well...quite bumpy. But you can also take a 25 minute flight instead of the 5-6 hour drive, if you don't mind spending about 200$US roundtrip. I have to say I started regretting my trip up North when I was on the road past the city of Hinche (where the road hasn't yet been paved). 

Cap Haitien's Cathedral

But the end justifies the means. Cap isn't much different from PaP in that it's still very busy. But the streets are cleaner,  "white people" don't get stared at like it can happen in PaP, and almost every house of building has balconies and huge wooden doors from the colonial architecture. 

Virgin island off the coast of Labadee

I think the most impressive view though is the one when on the road towards Labadee beach, heading West from Cap. The ocean is Jolly rancher/Kool Aid/ Skittles blue (can you tell I love and miss candy!?) and the mountains are huge. 


Although Labadee beach is closed to Haitians because it was bought by Americans and only cruise ships have access to it, there are beautiful beaches along the coast accessible by small boats. 


I took a 50 minute boat ride to a virgin island off the coast and spend the afternoon there. It was an unforgettable day. 

The beautiful coastline

* Yes, just like in Game of thrones, a great TV show I highly recommend!

Along Haiti's West coast

When leaving Port-au-Prince and heading North-West, there is a different scenery from the busy, dusty streets of the big city. You can contemplate the sea on your left and impressive mountains on your right. I was lucky enough last summer during my first trip to Haiti to spend two afternoons on beaches near Montrouis and St-Marc. 

The public beach along the coast, just beside Wahoo Bay beach club and resort.

There are a few beautiful beach clubs and resorts along the coast that are worth checking out for a sweet escape from the city. Small boats that can take you out on the ocean, and you can enjoy local cuisine right on the beach with a Prestige in hand, the Haitian award-winning beer.

Out and about in Haiti cherie

I want to take some time - some posts- to show you Haiti. Not just the Haiti we see on television and in the news. The Haiti that's right there, waiting for you and I to awe and discover over and over again. Yes there are still tents (too many of them), poverty, suffering and violence in the Pearl of the Caribbean. But there is also breathtaking scenery, amazing colours on every building, cheerful people and music in the blazing sun and cooler evenings. 

Here's to Haiti, the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. 

The street of Port-au-Prince are always packed with people, mostly merchants and pedestrians, and way too many cars. The sidewalks overflow with baskets full of bananas, pineapples, mangoes and avocados. Cellphone card vendors are everywhere and there's constant noise. The trees along the roads have gorgeous flowers. 

In the streets of Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince. Once a very affluential district, it presents now a clash between the rich and the poor. Still, Petionville is where most of the "good/nice" restaurants and boutiques are.

The view from outside the MUPANAH. Coconut trees and all. 

Near the National Palace is Champs-de-Mars, a plaza area. This is where took place the Carnaval des Fleurs (Flower Carnaval). The MUPANAH, National Heritage Museum of Haiti, is close-by. Inside, you can discover items from the colonial years, the evolution of the Haitian flag, and look at the pictures of all the Haitian presidents. 

Bon Fèt Alfredo!

The week went by so fast. It was the Carnaval des fleurs (Flower Carnaval) Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of this week. Champs-de-Mars, which is an area near the National Palace, was packed late in the afternoon, until the early hours of the morning. Streets busy with merchants and people of all ages waiting to watch the floats, which each had a band playing their "carnaval" theme song. Music in Haiti is BIG. Honestly, Haiti has some of the best songs I've heard. Even Friday morning, you could tell people were still in a Carnaval mood; no major traffic, people are happy and not even that excited about the weekend, since it seems we were just there. 

Lucardo, Alfredo & I. Cheers to Alfie!

I only had 2 classes to give this week. I found out Thursday that Alfredo would be celebrating his 20th birthday on Saturday August 4th. I wanted to plan a little something for him, knowing that he couldn't afford to do anything himself and hadn't planned to either. You just can't not celebrate your birthday! So after class today, I took out the 7 Up bottles and cookies I got the night before, and gave him a birthday card I made with coloured pencils (brought me back to kindergarden!). Lucardo and I started singing Happy Birthday, with Alfredo looking kind of shy! It wasn't anything big or fancy. But it showed him that we care about him, that we are grateful for his presence, that his smiling face can just make our day. 

Alfredo loves the expression "TGIF (Thank God it's Friday) that I taught him our first week of class. Well, today we celebrated TGIF and his 20th birthday. Simple, but meaningful. We had fun.

Teaching to Learn & Learning to Teach

Jean Paul and Lourdia answering questions I put on the board

It's been 3 weeks since the English class has started. It's a challenge everyday. I have to say, this is my first experience teaching. I have to be ready to improvise and to adapt. Not just because this is my first experience but also because my students have different levels of English, and I am in another country, facing challenges that come with a different culture. All in all, I find myself, the teacher, learning everyday. 

My students are great, in fact, they are amazing. After 2 or 3 hours of class, they still have plenty of energy. They participate in class, ask questions, ask me to repeat a word 10 times until they get the right pronunciation, they always want me to teach them more material - to the point that sometimes I am the one who is exhausted! How can they still be here listening to me?! Well, it's their determination that motivates me to plan my classes everyday, to try to come up with fun ways of practicing verbs tenses and new vocabulary. 

Myself with the students, practicing verbs in groups
Yes, It's been 3 weeks since I started teaching and although I sometimes doubt my capabilities to do so, I never doubt theirs. It's a great feeling really, when you see your students are able to apply something you've just showed them. I am grateful for their patience with me. The State exams aren't over yet, so I expect to have more students show up this week and next, which adds to the challenge of adapting. It means that I have to make sure I am not going over old material and boring my other students by trying to help out the new ones. Almost every class, one of the students turns into a little helper and will show and explain to other students the material from last class. Extending what I would call one of KCH's motto to constantly Pay it forward, that's what my students do with no hesitation: they help one another, it's reciprocity and exchange.

But now, it's time to plan some homework and a midterm exam!

Pou kont mwen (On my own- Seul-Solo)

I have to say that people have told me so many times to be careful in Haiti, not to let my guard down too quickly, not to wander the streets alone, not to take a taxi-moto (motorcycles that drive you wherever you need to go, by driving like maniacs sometimes!), that tap taps can be dangerous too (a pick up truck  thats sits oh so many people with two benches along the inside of the box). The truth is, they are all right. Yes, I've been warned by Haitians, Canadians, Americans, etc. And I did/do listen to them. 
But come on, if you want to just try to understand Haiti and feel like you are part of Haiti, you have to step -or jump- out of your comfort zone. I stepped out of mine. A tad. 

Tap tap nan Lavil (Downtown Port-au-Prince) These vehicles are very colourful and have quotes mentioning God, Jesus or Bondye (Bon Dieu)  painted everywhere, and some have caricatures of superstars such as 50 cent.

Although last week I got a ride back from work on a motorcycle for the first time, the driver was a friend of mine, so I didn't feel too nervous! But this week, I managed to find my way to Nos Petits Frères et Soeurs (NPFS) by asking two Haitian women directions, while ignoring comments coming from passersby: "Hey, blan! [insert kissing noises] Cheyi!" (Hey white, darling). 
Walking around in Haiti solo: Check!


Then I wanted to go to la Croix-des-Bouquets and decided I would take a motorcycle. It would be faster and perhaps safer than walking. 
Taking a motorcycle with a stranger, and dealing the fee solo: Check!


And, yesterday after work I decided I wouldn't wait around for my usual ride home, but would instead take two tap taps. I took the first tap tap with Lucardo, the program coordinator for KCH. He then made sure I got safely onto another one that would drop me off not to far from where I'm staying. After noticing that I was (obviously) not from Haiti nor used to tap taps, a haitian man sitting in front of me said that I should have been accompanied by someone. Instead of making me doubt about taking the funky looking pick up truck, I felt proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. 
Taking the tap tap solo, and standing up to the driver who didn't give me my full change back, by telling him in Kreyol that he owed me and extra 10 Gourdes: Check!

I feel like I am becoming more independent...or less dependent. 


So far so good Ayiti, so far so good. 

First day of class

Tuesday was the first day of the English class I'll be teaching this summer. I had 4 students, 2 of which have a beginners level of English, and the other 2 are intermediate. From day one, I knew it would be a challenge to fill their needs because of their different levels. Nonetheless, our class went well. We went back to basics, looking at days of the week, months, seasons, numbers, and how to tell time. Everyone participated, came up to the board, asked questions. After 2 hours of class, I asked if they thought it was enough for the day, and one of the students, Lourdia, said "Done? But we just started." Yikes. :) They definitely want to learn and want to practice speaking.

The teacher who said I was able to use his classroom told Lucardo he had about 30 students who would like to attend my class. Double yikes. More students is good for group activities, but a challenge to have them all at the same level eventually. I am slowly trying to figure out how to set up my classes, probably splitting the group in 2 (beginners and intermediate) so that each student feels comfortable.

My classroom where I will be teaching English, in Pernier.
So happy to have a blackboard!

I have to spend a few hours everyday planning the next lessons, trying to make it interesting for them by talking about things they come across daily. I'm lucky the students are patient, polite and hard working.

I'm off to plan tomorrow's lesson!

First day with KCH

After a few days in Haiti, I have officially started with KCH here in Pernier, a small area East of Pétion-Ville. I arrived at the office around 8am on this hot (as always) Monday morning. A few minutes after I got here, a student showed up for the English class I will be teaching for the next two months. And eventually, two other students arrived. Fortunately I had brought a bit of material with me and I was able to at least give them a diagnostic test to see at what level they are. Not being sure whether or not the students would be ready for class this week, I hadn't planned a full lesson. Rule #1 always be ready to improvise! Although 2 of the students seemed to believe they wouldn't be able to answer any questions on this test, they surprised me, and once they get their copy back, I hope they will also be pleasantly surprised! They seem eager to start class and learn English. They told me that they want to learn EVERYTHING this is to learn. I'll do my best, I'm sure they will too. First class starts tomorrow morning. Lucardo, the program coordinator working for KCH was even able to find us a small classroom with a blackboard right behind the KCH office. This will be very useful to me and much easier for the students. I thanked Lucardo, saying it was just perfect! He responded humbly that he was only doing his job. We're off to a good start.

Let the countdown begin

This is my first, and perhaps the shortest post I will ever write. The countdown begins. Haiti in 4 days. 
What's going through my head? Time just flew by. The excitement is mounting. Nervous, curious, excited, yes. 
I will shortly officially start working for Kids Connection Haiti, and I am looking forward to it. 
Check out KCH's website @ http://www.kidsconnectionhaiti.org/ 
More details to come on KCH, and lavi [life] in Ayiti. N a wè pita [See you later] !