Students 4 Ayiti recieved this message from Tom Ecklund, the Director of Orphan Outreach in the Dominican Republic. He gives his perspective of what has been going on with the program with respect to Haiti. Please read below:
"Hi! I am still in the Dominican Republic, and returning to the States on Thursday. It's been almost a week since I sent the last update to all of our registered spring and summer volunteers. So here is the latest:
It's been a week now since the earthquake, and we continue to see the news reports of the devastation and loss of life in Haiti. We know that there are many organizations whose mission includes working in Haiti and in disaster relief. We encourage you to offer your financial support to the work of these organizations.
Our volunteers made a huge impact in the Dominican Republic last week with over 1000 people being seen by our medical team, and with three college education teams teaching at the orphanage and in the public schools. This week we have a team here from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania teaching at our English Institute. All is normal here. We have sent some supplies from here with a Rotary Club convoy going into Haiti, and other supplies to a local church sending items to Haiti. And we know there is a lot of activity in the south of the Dominican Republic in terms of staging supplies and equipment to be moved into Haiti. Other than seeing the earthquake situation on the news here, and hearing it in conversation, there has been no negative impact in the areas where we are working. There is no surge of Haitians coming across the border, there is no looting, etc. etc. The northern border crossing at Dajabon is calm; I was at the border today. The crossing in the south (main highway between Santo Domingo and Port-au-Prince) is busy but controlled . Our mission remains in the Dominican Republic. There is much need here that we are working to address. We are looking forward to working with you and the other volunteers in providing education and health care to the people here who need it. Again, other than news reports from the earthquake area, the environment here in the Dominican Republic is calm. You should expect the same experience here that you could have expected before the earthquake. There is no additional safety risks now than there were one month ago. Geography - I have been asked how close we are to Port-au-Prince. Although not necessarily that far in straight miles, the road takes the long way to get there and the quickest you could drive there is 10 -12 hours with good roads. The same things that are beginning to make a difference in Haiti are the things we always ask of our supporters coming to the Dominican Republic - 1) Volunteer, 2) Donate and Raise Funds, 3) Bring Donations. Perhaps after seeing the news reports from Haiti you can get a better appreciation of the poverty on this island, and how your efforts can make a difference. There is no need to wait for an earthquake. We have over 1000 volunteers signed up to join us between now and May - it's an army of volunteers who can make a difference here. Imagine the difference 1000 people can make by inviting 20 friends and family members to make a financial donation, by bringing one or two suitcases of needed food items, and by spending a week teaching or providing health care. Thank you for being part of a very special effort, and I encourage you to put your energy into maximizing the difference you are making - both before your trip as well as during your trip.
I know that things are not yet stable in Port-au-Prince, and we are vigilant about any impacts that the situation may have here.
We have a full time staff of Americans and Canadians living here in the Dominican Republic; we will let you know of any situations which might arise that you should be aware of.
Sincerely,
Tom Eklund
Executive Director"
Please keep Tom and his staff in your thoughts and prayers.
--S4A
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