Voluntary work in Haiti
Information & guidance about volunteering projects in Haiti
A vast and varied landscape of peaceful beaches, pine covered mountains and gushing waterfalls makes a stunning background for voluntary work in Haiti. However, it is not just the natural beauty that makes this location so impressive; the Carribean destination became the only country in the world to lead a successful slave rebellion in the 19th century, and the first Latin American country to declare independence from European powers. What’s more, the music, art and culture that creates Haiti’s atmosphere is entirely unique. Unfortunately, Haiti has seen its fair share of turmoil including a coup in 2004 and a devastating earthquake that cause 230,000 in 2010. Voluntary work in Haiti assists the least developed country in the Americas, and assists locals, communities and businesses to rebuild.
Where to volunteer in Haiti
A small island in the Caribbean Sea with a popular of just over 10 million, voluntary work in Haiti means lending a helping hand with beautiful backdrops on the island occupying the western part of Hispaniola. Port-au-Prince is the bustling capital city and the most popular place to volunteer in Haiti, due to embodying the country’s raw chaotic energy, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that inspires locals and visitors. With a population of 3 million, the capital is the political, economic and cultural hub of Haiti, and its compelling vibe is sure to capture the imagination of volunteers.
Jacmel, Les Cayes and Leogane are other popular urban areas for voluntary work in Haiti, and due to the relatively small size of the country, anywhere you chose to volunteer is likely to be near one of these larger cities. When deciding where to volunteer in Haiti, it is important to remember that the country is still recovering from the disastrous earthquake that hit in 2010, and some areas were more badly affected than others, so bear this in mind when choosing a destination.
Volunteering projects in Haiti
Voluntary work in Haiti is desperately needed, as the country has the lowest human development ranking in the Western hemisphere. Still recovering from the 2010 earthquake, volunteering in Haiti often means helping to rebuild both damaged infrastructure and helping locals with their personal recovery. Manual labor is in constant demand in Haiti, with areas of disaster relief such as construction and ensuring access to clean water being prominent projects.
For those who cannot help with manual help, there are still plenty of voluntary work in Haiti opportunities that others can assist with. Some of the most popular fields include education, healthcare, human rights, and community development, where volunteers can help to really make a difference in the shattered lives of those traumatized by the disaster.
Voluntary work in Haiti can last anywhere from a few weeks to a full year, depending on the project and how much time the volunteer is able to commit. However, if you can only stay for a shorter period of time, don’t be deterred – any help is valued!
