Haiti Volunteer Says Remember to Look Beyond Our Backyards
(International Foundation, January 26, 2010)

NRECA volunteer in Haiti Gwen Thomas

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 that 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 recently opened to the fact that our neighborhood now expands around the globe. In addition to continuing to build power 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 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, the strength of children carrying supplies on their heads for miles and the 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!

Donate to the Cause

The Foundation is seeking donations to the NRECA International Haiti Relief Fund. To contribute, go to the Foundation Web site and click on "Donate Now." Until further notice, all contributions received through the Web site will be earmarked for the Haiti Relief Fund.

You can also donate by mail. Send checks to the NRECA International Foundation at 4301 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington, VA -- 22203. Please indicate the donation is for the “Haiti Relief Fund.”

An arrangement with PayPal allows the Foundation to receive contributions until February 11 without fees.

As always, all donations are tax-deductible.