In light of the refocused attention on Haiti with the University of California Haiti Summit, Daily Bruin reporter Julienne Lauler spoke with Robin Derby, an associate professor of history in the field of modern Latin America & the Caribbean. Derby specifically researches Haitian narratives and has traveled to the island nation numerous times, including a research trip after the earthquake in January.
Daily Bruin: What’s the current situation in Haiti?
Robin Derby: Well, the rains have started, so the tent camps are very vulnerable, and the possibilities of contagious diseases and epidemics is high. It’s going to be really difficult to keep sanitary conditions under control ““ a lot of the tent camps don’t have effective sewage systems, and when you have rain, the human refuse can pervade living spaces, and that’s a huge issue at this point. … What I’m concerned about is that the aid organizations have been focused on the very urgent needs of the tent dwellers, but the people in the countryside that are absorbing these refugees are not getting the assistance that they need.
DB: What do you think needs to be done in Haiti?
RD: I think we need to think about providing micro-credit opportunities that will get the refugees in the countryside gainfully occupied, because there’s no land for them. There are organizations in the rural areas, but there’s not a lot of (non-governmental organization) presence. Nobody’s attending to the needs of these rural dwellers who are absorbing these refugees.
DB: What do you think will be the positive outcomes of the UC Haiti Summit this weekend?
RD: I think it’s great that UCLA is working with these other schools to organize and channel resources in the best possible way. It would be terrific to see the UC system develop a positive relationship with Haiti during their reconstruction. Just with old textbooks and used laptops, we could really make a difference.
DB: What can students do to help Haiti?
RD: One way volunteers could help is through English training in Haiti, bringing teacher training materials, supporting elementary education, or even bringing a case of soccer balls for elementary school students. Students could also collect used laptops to help folks in Haiti access online distance learning through U.S. universities. Also, students can work with the Haitian state university as facilitators using online modules, especially in technical fields.
DB: Do you support UCLA students going to Haiti and actively helping?
RD: I think so, but one has to be able to go down there in a way that is not stretching water and food supplies, and that is an issue that you would have to sort out neighborhood by neighborhood. You would want to network through established organizations that have longevity there, like the Catholic Church. Students have to keep their eyes open and go with the tried and true who have a track record.