Ile-A-Vache!

Brittany
Mar 17, 2016
2 min read

Day 4: Thursday 14 January 2016

This morning marked our first day on the island. The team enjoyed a nice breakfast to include bananas, mangoes, peanut butter with bread, and a cheesy omelet. The team set out after breakfast with Captain Lennon to explore the local community around Vacation Village. Our first stop was a local well where CAPT Lennon explained how many wells were built but that the main issue revolved around the repair of the wells. People were not trained on how to actually fix them if they became worn down so this led to the insufficient function of the wells and poor water. At the well, we observed how it works and how critical it is that the well function properly. Mostly women walk miles with gallons of water in order to cook and clean for their families. To actually walk the walk and observe the process of getting water was very humbling.

After the well visit, we hiked to Abaka Bay and saw a beautiful beach. We then went into the village of Kay Kok and met many friendly children and families. CAPT Lennon explained how most people don’t have jobs and are suffering from drinking bad water, causing them to be restless. After lunch, we met Ailish O’Reilly. Originally from Ireland, Ailish lives in Madame Bernard and works for the Soul of Haiti, now partnered with Haven. Haven is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works on various projects, to include assisting at the orphanage. Ailish played a critical role in helping CAPT Lennon for the planning process of the transport and off-load of goods on the Kennedy as she knows many people on the island and speaks Creole very well.