​Have you searched Amazon for books about Haiti or resources in Haitian Creole? There are some, but nothing compares to the collection that our friends over at EDUCAVision Inc. have! There are tons of amazing books and resources for everyone of all ages, interests, and styles of learning. EDUCAVision is offering 10% off anything on their website with code real-haiti.

Check out the variety of multicultural books and resources in English and Haitian Creole here!

​HAPPY HAITIAN FLAG DAY!

Can you imagine seeing the video promo below on Haiti on TV today? It was 1983 and this video was produced for American Express to promote travel to Haiti! I see more things that have remained the same in Haiti than have changed.

Similarities and differences between Haiti in 1983 and today 
​
What hasn't changed in Haiti since 1983:

• Of course, the language, Haitian Creole. You will hear "bonjou" each morning, no matter if you know the person or not. I always come home from a trip saying it to other people in the United States and then giggle to myself, remembering I am not in Haiti.

• Hotels are family owned and operated and usually small, boutique style - You will love this about Haiti. You will feel as if you're staying at someone's private home. If you want personal experience reviews, check out ours here.

• Homey feeling, welcoming with open arms - This is what I think makes you fall in love with Haiti and keeps you going back.

• The weather - Haiti is hot usually year round, but cooler in the mountains. It's so refreshing to get that "break" from the heat if you can up in the mountains.

• Driving in Haiti - Just don't even try it! You should leave it up to the locals to transport you around.

• Tap-Taps - You must experience a tap-tap ride. It look me years of travelling to Haiti to finally go on one. You will get to see people going to work and school, where ever they are off to, it's a lot of fun! It's a great reminder that people in Haiti are just like everyone else, they do life and take care of their business.

• U.S. money is accepted everywhere - You don't need to exchange your money since you can pay with U.S. dollars in Haiti.

• Bargain shopping - Never, ever pay the first price offered to you, especially in touristy areas. You can get a $50 price for an item and eventually walk away with it later paying half or even less. However, this doesn't mean you want to devalue what you're buying and who you are buying from. You should pay what you feel is worth it to you or a little more if you're willing. It's important to know that just like any other tourist trap, you will be given a tourist price. If you're not comfortable with the end negotiated price, walk away. Nine times out of ten, they will come find you and accept your price.

• The beautiful, unique art - You can find Haitian art all over the island. It will become one of your favorite souvenirs to buy!

• Music and dance - Both are still a huge part of Haitian culture, but the sounds and styles of the music have changed a little.

• Publicity - Haiti still gets a bad wrap when it comes to the media. You can travel to Haiti without worry, but the news unfortunately doesn't paint that picture. It's still one of the safest countries in the world.

​

• Haitian food - Yep, it's still delicious!

What hasn't changed in Haiti since 1983:

• The Haitian flag differences from 1983 and 2018

• Architecture - Haiti is known for it's beautiful gingerbread houses, but they are not as common to see as they were in the past. Natural disasters and need to modernize certain areas have contributed to the destruction of the original architecture.

• ​Gourde - In 1983, the Haitian Gourde was 5 to $1 US dollar. Today, it is 63.13 Haitian Gourde to $1 US dollar. That's a drastic difference!

 

• ​Honeymooners - Caribbean islands are popular honeymoon destinations and although Haiti once was one, it isn't as popular now. Usually travelers who have visited the island before may choose to go back for their honeymoon.

 

• Unspoiled, no crowded beaches - There are many beaches throughout Haiti that you can participate in activities or just relax. The island vibe is definitely present!

 

• Club Med - Haiti had a Club Med that closed in 1987, then reopened in 1997, but closed one year later. In 2006, it reopened again as Club Indigo, but was only operating half of the resort. In 2014, the resort was bought and signed a 20 year agreement as the Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort & Spa.

 

• Coffee and baseballs are Haiti's largest exports? That is half true today. I did some research and according to the Economy Watch in 2010, coffee was still Haiti's largest export along with apparel, cocoa and mangoes.

 

• Diving tourist destination - I had to also do research on this as I am not familiar with scuba diving in Haiti. According to Diviac travel, Haiti is a pristine, untouched hotspot for diving, but rarely visited.

 

• Airlines - in 1983, only 4 airlines flew into Haiti (Air Florida, Air France, American Airlines and Eastern Airlines), but now there are several options from numerous airports that fly into 2 airports in Haiti. Click here for more on how to travel to Haiti.

 

• Baggage tips - You will notice that when you arrive or leave the Aéroport Toussaint L'Ouverture Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince, baggage handlers definitely don't expect .50 cents per bag as a tip these days! They will try to carry your bags and then ask you for a big tip after. If you don't actually need help with your bags, don't let them help you. Or if they do help you, give a tip, but never give the $20 they sometimes ask for.

 

• Electricity - It's definitely sparse in most areas, turning off and on at any given time without notice, unfortunately. All of the hotels have generators so there's nothing to worry about there, however, not all residents have generators and/or gas to run them.

 

• American Express travel arrangements - I was curious to see if they still offer travel arrangements to Haiti and although there's no specific tour or mention of Haiti, if you are an eligible card member, an agent can help you arrange flights and hotels to Haiti.

​After reading through all of these similarities and differences, you must be even more curious about travelling to Haiti! I promise it will be a trip of a lifetime. Go explore and see The Real Haiti! If you've been to Haiti, drop a comment below on what you noticed that was the same as 1983!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! We are offering a 20% discount on any purchase made at our Etsy shop! Don't worry, if you're not an Etsy member (and/or don't want to become one), you can check out as a guest without joining.

Browse our jewelry, Haitian paintings, home decor and more! Enter code THANKS when checking out to apply the 20% off coupon. Most of our items ship for FREE! Sale ends midnight 11/24/17.

Thank you for your support always!

Here are some fun things about Haiti and the Haitian culture! Download a 4-page worksheet/poster of Haitian Cultural highlights with Haitian Creole and English!

Where in the world is Haiti? | Download

• See a map of Haiti
• View the Haitian flag
• See Haiti's beautiful beaches
• Learn about the location and regions of Haiti

Numbers in Haitian Creole| Download

• Count from 0 to 20
• Numbers in Haitian Creole and English

Popular Authentic Haitian Food | Download

• Pictures of authentic Haitian dishes and sides
• Names of foods in Haitian Creole and English

Colors in Haitian Creole | Download

• Color swatches and names of colors in Haitian Creole and English

I hope you find these freebies useful to teach your children, friends, family or students about Haiti and the Haitian culture! Use it at home, at a family gathering, for a school presentation, or in your classroom to help teach diversity and culture awareness!

You may use these online, but please link back to TheRealHaiti.com please!

• Print as worksheets
• Enlarge and print as posters
• Hang in your children's playroom
• Hand out in your classroom
• Hand out at an event

​If there are other topics you'd like us to cover, just let us know! ENJOY!
Mesi anpil!

The next Partners Worldwide Train-the-Trainer is Scheduled!

This week-long session consists of walking dedicated individuals through a business curriculum created by Partners Worldwide, covering topics such as: Christian worldview, accounting, marketing, value-chain analysis and other principles essential for successful entrepreneurs. The materials and training are in Haitian Creole. 

Why:  Have an in-house trainer for your organization (ask for details on how to become a certified trainer; there is an extra cost. Train outside your organization)

Who is eligible for training:

• Candidate has a management degree from a recognized university or has managed a business or organization
• Candidate is willing to replicate the training
• Must be willing to become an implementing partner with the 100K Jobs in Haiti Initiative, reporting job creation numbers

December 
4-8
2017
REGISTER HERE!

Time:  8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Place: Office of Parole et Action, Delmas 75

Costs:
Option 1 – $650 
Training, materials, meals and accommodation at Trinity Lodgefor five days and nights
Option 2 – $350 
Training, materials, 5 lunches

Contact Cassandre Honoréat 509 3610 6163 or 
cassandreh@partnersworldwide.orgfor more information.

Click here to register online. 
 
Registration ends November 24th, 2017.

If someone says to you, "you don't look Haitian," here are some responses I came up with to answer back:

• What is a Haitian supposed to look like? 
• What does that mean?
• Have you ever been to Haiti?
• That's not a compliment
• I am proud to be Haitian!
• Let me educate you on the diversity of Haiti's people

Again, it's really not their fault for thinking a certain way. The media teaches us only about things in Haiti that scream drama, disaster, corruption or poverty. As our son grows up, I am finding different ways to be creative in teaching him. These crayons are one way we can draw ourselves in different shades. I also have created activity worksheets to do with him that expose him to Creole and the Haitian culture. I plan on making lots more, so stay tuned! If you'd like to purchase a shirt below (What Do You Mean I Don't Look Haitian tshirt), click the button below!

​How do you respond when people say "but you don't look Haitian!" 

May is Haitian Heritage Month!  What better way to honor our heritage than by looking back to the father of modern Haiti—François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture, also known as Toussaint L'Ouverture or Toussaint Bréda.  As the leader of the only successful slave revolt in modern history, L’Ouverture helped form Haiti’s constitution and win its independence from France. L’Ouverture declared black, white, and mixed residents of Haiti to be socially equal and paved the way for the United States to orchestrate the Louisiana Purchase from France.

Here are five ways to celebrate L’Ouverture, one of Haiti’s most legendary residents, by exploring his mention and history through contemporary culture:

Haitian Heritage Celebration & Unveiling of the Haitian Cultural Collection! Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 13, 2:00 pm
Beloved Haitian author Jessica Fièvre will discuss her experiences as a writer. Enjoy a festive afternoon with dance performances by Dayana Dolne and more. Event offered in English and Creole. (90 min.) Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month Film Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 18, 2:00 pm
"Deported." ©Third World Newsreel. (72 min.) Follow the plight of Haitian criminal deportees from North America. Shown with permission. Not rated. Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month Film Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 18, 6:00 pm
"Deported." ©Third World Newsreel. (72 min.) Follow the plight of Haitian criminal deportees from North America. Shown with permission. Not rated. Preregister.

Celebrate Haitian Heritage Book Festival Main Library
Sat, May 20, 2:00 pm
Meet the winners of the School District of PBC Haitian Heritage Month essay contest. Join host, Bito David for a celebration of Haitian authors and literature. Featured authors include: Regine Coicou Stewart, Diane Allerdyce, Dovilas Anderson, Margaret Papillon, and others. Program offered in English and Creole. (2 hr.) Preregister.

Haitian Canvas Painting Lantana Road Branch
Thu, May 25, 5:00 pm
Paint a scene reminiscent of the beauty of Hispaniola to celebrate the rich culture of Haiti. Limit 24. (2 hr.) Preregister.

Coloring Club: Haitian Heritage Month Edition Lantana Road Branch
Fri, May 26, 2:00 pm
Coloring is not just for children! This fun activity fosters creativity and has stress-relieving benefits. (90 min.) Preregister.

Haitian, Am I: An Exhibition of Arts Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 27, 12:00 pm
Exhibit Treal celebrates Haitian Heritage with the arts of the newest generation of Haitian artists. (4 hr.) Preregister.

Haitian Heritage Month: Book Discussion Lantana Road Branch
Tue, May 30, 2:00 pm
"The Farming of Bones," by Edwidge Danticat. Copies are available at the research services desk. (60 min.) Preregister.

Children's Classes & Events
Haitian Heritage Month: Interactive StorytellingBelle Glade Branch
Wed, May 17, 10:30 am
The Louines Louinis Haitian Dance Theater, Inc. presents "Dance-A-Story," a performance of traditional Haitian tales with audience participation, drums, dance and rhymes. All ages. (45 min.) Preregister.

Tales & Riddles From HaitiBelle Glade Branch
Sat, May 20, 1:30 pm
Telling stories around the fire is an important part of Haitian culture. Join us for a series of oral Haitian wisdom, proverbs, jokes, riddles and stories. All ages. (45 min.) Preregister.

Haitian Craft! Lantana Road Branch
Sat, May 20, 3:30 pm
Create a colorful Haitian Drapo sequin flag. Ages 5 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

Teen Classes & Events
Haitian Heritage Month: Teen Book Discussion Belle Glade Branch
Tue, May 16, 10:30 am
“Untwine,” by Edwidge Danticat. Guest speaker: Lana St. Hilaire from the School District of PBC Multicultural Department. Copies are available at the children's desk. Grades 6 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

​Haitian Heritage Month: Teen Book Discussion Belle Glade Branch
Tue, May 16, 4:00 pm
“Untwine,” by Edwidge Danticat. Guest speaker: Lana St. Hilaire from the School District of PBC Multicultural Department. Copies are available at the children's desk. Grades 6 & up. (60 min.) Preregister.

​Library website for more info and pre-registration.

Have you ever considered investing in a foreign country? If you have, did Haiti ever come to mind? Chances are the negative image that the (amazing) island has, may have convinced you to stay away. It's not exactly the first place that comes to mind when thinking of opening up a manufacturing operation. 

​Haiti? Why not?

So, why invest in Haiti? 
As mentioned in the video, Haiti is a virgin country! People are looking for work, they are available and they are willing to do it, with low turnover rates. Sound like a dream? Well, more and more companies are moving into Haiti because of the work ethic of the people, the cost of doing business and a big bonus - fiscal advantages, including tax incentives! It's also a central location, close to so many place, perfect for exporting.

What types of industries are possible for investing in Haiti?

• ​Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Technology
• Apparel
• Beverages
• Tourism
• Infrastructure

 ​
Even Coca Cola is in Haiti now! Do you know of any other companies who have been in Haiti or recently invested in it? 

If you are interested in business opportunities in Haiti, visit CFI Haiti, the maker of this informative video.

___________________________________________________________________
The Embassy of Haiti in Washington DC Responds to the
Haitian Migration Issue
In light of the recent decision taken by the United States Government to deport Haitian
nationals apprehended at U.S. ports of entry who are deemed to have unlawfully entered U.S.
soil, an increasing number of Haitians have been placed in detention centers and are facing
immediate removal.
Given the circumstances, we understand that the families of detainees will be seeking
information about the status of their relatives. The Consular Section at the Embassy of Haiti has
activated a hotline to provide updates on the status of detainees as we are in communication with
U.S. authorities. We encourage family members who are seeking information on their detained
relatives to contact the Embassy’s hotline.
Hotline Number:
(202) 549-8712
An email can also be sent to amb.washington@diplomatie.ht
Subject Line: Detainee Assistance
_______________________________________________________________________
L’Ambassade d’Haïti à Washington DC Répond au
Problème de la Migration Haïtienne
Suite à la décision du Gouvernement des Etats-Unis de refouler les ressortissants Haïtiens
appréhendés aux ports d’entrée des EUA qui sont considérés avoir foulé le sol américain
illégalement, un nombre de plus en plus croissant d’Haïtiens sont placés dans des centres de
détention et sont en passe d’être déportés immédiatement.
L’Ambassade d’Haiti à Washington est en communication avec le gouvernement
américain sur le statut des détenus. La Section Consulaire de l’Ambassade d’Haïti a activé une
ligne téléphonique spéciale afin de fournir des informations. Les membres des familles de ces
détenus à la recherche d’informations peuvent utiliser la ligne spéciale suivante:
Numéro Spécial:
(202) 549-8712
Un courriel peut aussi être envoyé à: amb.washington@diplomatie.ht
Sujet: Detainee Assistance