Tim DeTellis

I was there the day before, the day of, and the day after the Haiti earthquake. What actually shocks me more is that I was in Haiti 27 years prior, at the same spot where I experienced the earthquake. So what has changed in 27 years? What will change Haiti after the earthquake?

The crisis is in front of us. Searching for the missing, caring for the injured, and rebuiling the destroyed are top priorities. These needs are urgent. The world is at Haiti’s front door responding to the earthquake crisis.

After the relief is given and the earthquake victims are cared for, then what? Prior to the earthquake, Haiti was the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It still is and the infrastructure is weaker. Yet, something changed on Tuesday, January 12th. Haiti captured the hearts of people. What is Haiti asking for? What will change Haiti?

Haiti needs a long-term plan that makes a difference. Two million plus children in Haiti do not attend school. Over the past 27 years, I have seen lives changed in Haiti because of an education received from New Missions. I have witnessed graduates that are now school teachers, engineers, attorneys, pastors, nurses, mechanics, carpenters, and other fine professions that help change Haiti.

If the world cares about Haiti, then help build a new Haiti, starting with education. This is a 20-year plan. The pay-off for education takes a generation.

My special added item to the call for education in Haiti is to teach English. The English language is a gateway to the world. Not that I agree with Haitians fleeing Haiti for other nations after they are educated, since what Haiti needs is greater brain capital. The English language bridges communication gaps in business and enterprise. English also opens the tourism door.

What ideas do you have to build a new Haiti? Tomorrow I will share what Haiti will need in the next 12 months.