Six Days in Haiti

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Suran bonding with Cayes Jacmel children

My six days in Haiti by no means made me a “changed” person. It didn’t make me an expert on the problems the country faces. My trip also did not make me an authority on Haiti’s land — its wild terrain and beaches — and the beautiful people who inhabit it.

My six days in Haiti, however, did give me a glimpse of and inspired me to form a relationship with the country and the people there. My time spent there allowed me to re-evaluate issues surrounding nonprofit work, how to view and treat people, and, ultimately, to love.

I am writing this post as a tribute not only to the people in Haiti, but also to my friends who have supported and encouraged me to follow my passions through monetary means, but also through your personal love and encouragement. Here is a little of what I experienced.

The goal of Surge’s field visit

Surge for Water had four main objectives during our trip to Haiti:

  1. To see first-hand our current projects and their impact in the two areas where we currently work: Port Au Prince and Cayes Jacmel.

In these two places, I was able to visit schools that have had locally installed water filtration systems and see how it helped the children there. Surge’s grassroots organizational structure also requires all the work that we do in every country to employ as much local labor as possible, which additionally helps the empower the people. It improves the economic position of our community members and also ensures that they can continue to source and maintain the solutions themselves versus dependency on foreign aid.

  1. To teach our WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program.
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Right after a WASH training in Port au Prince

One of the biggest issues that Haiti faces is the lack of waste services and sanitation education that causes disease to spread throughout cities. Our team of Surgers visited various partner schools to teach Haitian youth where to throw trash, how to properly wash their hands to prevent diseases, and where to wash clothes/bathe to prevent downstream water contamination in rivers and streams. WASH education is one of the most critical components in our programming as it drives behavior change which in turn improves lives.

  1. To work in partnership with local community and government leaders.

This, from what I’ve seen, is essential to international development work. As foreigners (albeit with the best of intentions), we lack intimate knowledge of the complex issues surrounding the communities we work in, and how to best solve those problems. Surge’s intentional relationship with local community and government leaders allows us to find long lasting and sustainable solutions to each unique water issue in every home, village, and city where we work.

During this specific trip, we met a local women’s community group, the leaders of our partner organization ASSLHA (who we greatly rely on to implement Surge’s projects in Cayes Jacmel), and the mayor of Cayes Jacmel. Their alignment on our mission and goals was an important step towards working together to make Haiti a better place for its people.

  1. To plan new Surge projects.
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Surgers after the hike up to Corail Ana

The Surge team climbed 2 hours uphill (!) to visit Corail Ana, a remote village in the mountains, to visit the people there. It took Shilpa, our executive director, a year to find the village and obtain a map of the territory to even begin work in that area. Many discouraged her from traveling there because it was too unsafe, remote, and the work needed to be done there was too daunting. Because it was hours away from the closest city, the people in Coreil Ana lacked essential parts of “modern civilization,” such as paved roads, close access to water, and medicine. It didn’t stop Shilpa or Surge, though. To begin work in Coreil Ana, we started by talking with residents there and listened to their needs. They spoke of needing access to water and sanitation/waste systems, which Surge plans to work on in the next few years.

We will have to contract local workers who are willing to manually or by donkey carry equipment and materials needed to build appropriate wells, water filters, and/or sanitation systems up the mountain. We will have to work with the changing weather, politics, and people in both Coreil Ana and Cayes Jacmel. Although this will most likely take years, much longer than the work that could be done in larger cities like Port Au Prince, Surge is dedicated to its mission to bringing clean water and sanitation to all.

Dedicated partnerships, sustainable solutions

During the six days that I spent in Haiti, we accomplished a surface level of these objectives. We were able to tap into some of the issues that the people in Port Au Prince and Cayes Jacmel were facing, and found that they were multi-layered, complex, and, sometimes, slow-paced. Haiti, much like many other developing countries, needs sustainable solutions that cannot be solved within a day, a month, or years.

Projects to help the people there require dedicated partnerships that even in of itself need time to form trust and effective communication. Surge’s work in especially remote villages require additional resources, cost, and expertise that vary by location and need. We cannot cookie cut the cost/time each issue requires. Most of all, it’s more important that we develop the capacity within the country via our commitment. Our approach always seeks to empower locals to handle their own issues and not need us in the long run.

Haiti is a country that has been rampaged with free and temporary aid by various NGOs and nonprofits that have sometimes caused more harm than good. Some attempts have killed local industries (see U.S. rice imports) and created initiatives that are later abandoned. This has taught Surge the importance of continued and intimate relationship with Haitian communities as the path to true change.

Finally, my trip to Haiti allowed me to re-evaluate myself. I was conflicted about writing about this piece at first because my intentions of this trip wasn’t to “help myself,” but to help the people in Haiti. But as extremely cliche as this sounds, my trip to Haiti also recentered and healed my beliefs about people and love.

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Meeting with the locals

The Haitian people, without much to spare, exuded beauty and resilience upon the first moments of meeting them. It was previously easy for me to take my place only as the benefactor from the Midwest, but my experience dancing, eating, and hugging the community members reminded me of their humanness and repaired my own outlook on life. It reminded me to look at problems from a relationship perspective and make decisions not only with pragmatism, but also with love. I work with Surge not only because Haiti needs help, but also because it is too beautiful of a country with too beautiful of people to be left suffering.

My six days in Haiti were incredible, and I look forward to going back and visiting soon. With love continually in everything that Surge (and hopefully I) do, thank you to everyone again for being a part of not only this trip, but also my journey through various moments in life.

Want to support Surge’s work in Haiti? Donate here. Any amount makes a difference.

Written by Suran Yoo, Surge team member

Chris Kayondo

Chris Kayondo

Treasurer, USA

Chris Kayondo

Rachel Pringle

Global WASH Manager

Rachel Pringle

Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.

Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.

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Lorraine Alva

Lorraine Alva

Director, UAE

Lorraine Alva

I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.

Laila Al Yousuf

Laila Al-Yousuf

Director, UAE
Design Director at Say Studio

Laila Al-Yousuf

I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.

Jennie Stallings

Jennie Stallings

Director, UAE
Partner/Commercial Manager at ChelseaGREEN

Jennie Stallings

With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.

Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.

Trisha Bhagat

Trisha Bhagat

Treasurer, USA
Associate Director, Business Compliance at Abbvie

Trisha Bhagat

I love that Surge is committed to helping our global communities be healthier and happier. I resonate deeply with Surge’s sustainable approach that allows communities to stand on their own and flourish. I feel very fortunate that I get to volunteer with some amazing passionate people; it makes me feel like I’m part of a global family. Professionally, I work in audit and compliance, and I enjoy applying these analytical skills, as well as my creative side, towards growing Surge.

Scott Minger

Scott Minger

Development Chair, USA
Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels

Scott Minger

I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.

Sarah Lynch

Sarah Odde Lynch

Marketing & Communications Director, USA
Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BevSource

Sarah Odde Lynch

I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.

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Josh DeBartolo

Governing Board, USA
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Purview

Josh DeBartolo

Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.

Channa North Hoffstaed

Channa North-Hoffstaed

Board Chair, USA
VP Professional Services NA at Kinaxis

Channa North-Hoffstaed

I volunteer for Surge because of the commitment to provide sustainable and community-driven solutions to help end the cycle of poverty. There is a humility in partnering with communities that is truly transformative and long-lasting. Visiting Haiti and working directly with Surge’s field partners has so far been my most compelling experience with the organization. For me, seeing the strong community relationships reinforced the uniqueness of Surge’s approach to locally-led development. Through my professional consulting experience, I’ve provided strategic direction to several leading corporations. I really enjoy offering this service to Surge and simultaneously turning it into tactical execution. In my free time, you’ll likely find me training for my next marathon.

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Chris Beukenkamp

Governing Board, USA
Senior Director, Technology and AI Strategy at Salesforce

Chris Beukenkamp

Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.

Anna Paul

Anna Paul

Operations Director, USA
Director of Administration for the Village of Barrington Hills

Anna Paul

We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.

Florence Ringe

Florence Ringe

Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda

Florence Ringe

I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Director, ASSHLA, Haiti

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.

Ashley Quinlan

Ashley Quinlan

Operations & Development Manager

Ashley Quinlan

As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.

Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.

Marita Peters

Marita Peters

Executive Director, UAE

Marita Peters

Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.

Shilpa Alva

Shilpa Alva

Founder, Executive Director, Board Member

Shilpa Alva

I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.

See our founder, Shilpa Alva at TEDx