Service Beyond Our Backyard
(NRECA International Foundation, April 7, 2008)

By Gwen Thomas

Gwen Thomas in Pignon, Haiti teaching the art of sewing and empowering women.

We have been taught since childhood that we should help our neighbors in need but this begs the question, “Who is our neighbor?” We are quick to say the world has become smaller with ease of travel and the speed of communication. However, when it comes to defining neighbors, some still look only to their backyard. My eyes were opened to the fact that our neighborhood now expands around the globe. In addition to continuing to build lines through the NRECA International Foundation, there is a need to help teach people how to use electricity to improve their quality of life and build economic capacity.

In mid-February 2008, I traveled to Pignon, Haiti, for a week as a volunteer.  My assignment was to teach people how to use the sewing machines in hopes that a home economics curriculum could be developed for the school where this knowledge could be shared with students on a continued basis. Long-term hopes are that these sewing skills will be used to pursue business possibilities.  The students learned how to: read a pattern, thread the machine, wind a bobbin, sew even seams and in general, operate the machine. Each student ended the week with a completed handbag they could call their own. It was rewarding to see the pride they had in their work and the excitement in learning a new skill which could be used to help support their family.

The experience for each of us went well beyond our specific assigned task. We were impacted by the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with immersion in the Haitian culture. From the amazing gospel music to the tenacity of the women washing clothes on the riverbank, strength of children carrying supplies on their heads for miles, and endurance of men shoveling sand for cement blocks, to the challenge of traversing moonscape like river beds to get to the nearest community, we were constantly reminded of the difficulties of everyday life in Haiti. The experience was life-changing and the images of these enduring people will remain in my memory forever. I especially think of the little girl in an ill-fitting, torn, pink dress with obvious signs of health and physical care deficiencies and am reminded there are so many children like her around the world.

There is so much to be done and so many places where our help is needed. Each one of us can make a difference; whether it is through a payroll deduction, equipment donation, or volunteering through the NRECA International Foundation. I challenge you to step out and expand your neighborhood!