On the Ground

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Some Frank Talk About Haiti

  • Posted on: 22 January 2010
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

"Mesi" to Nicholas Kristof for his article below in defense of the Haitian people.  Development "experts" and religious "leaders" alike have put forth their own theories, ranging from fatalism to God's will, to explain Haiti's poverty.  Friends of Haiti know that Haitians are a strong, proud people who did not deserve what has happened to them.  As Kristof writes, " ...the implication of belated seismic revenge on Haitian children seems defamatory of God."  Haitians have made it through natural and man-made disasters before this.  While Haiti won't be the same, it will recover - the ultimate rebuttal to those who say it cannot.  

On the Ground: Pregnant and Poor in Haiti

  • Posted on: 7 April 2009
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Nicholas Kristof wrote an article on the importance of family planning to poverty reduction. The article revolves around the lives of a woman named Nahomie, her ten children, and the grinding poverty they are facing.  I've copied the article below but you can also read it on his excellent blog ""On the Ground."  After, take a look at the +250 comments posted and consider adding your own.  It is my hope that Nahomie's children will fare better.  With the United States supporting the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) again, perhaps we can yet make that a reality.