Camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes in Haiti

I must admit, I had no idea what to expect when I stepped off the plane in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. While the volunteer training program (VTP) in Washington, DC a few months prior had given me the tools and resources needed for going in-country, actually working in the field is a totally different experience. 

Having previously worked in countries such as Ghana and Kenya, I thought that my week in Haiti would be a piece of cake. Boy, was I wrong. My week in Haiti was more challenging, educational, and inspiring than any other work I have done.Our week kicked-off with a two day leadership training at FHADIMAC, our wonderful partner who is the leading diabetes organization in Haiti. There, I was able to meet in-person the youth leaders I have heard so many wonderful things about. Working with them during the leadership training was such a rewarding experience, but seeing them in action at camp was where I really saw them shine. 

Not only did they form a connection with campers that is only possible between two people living with the same condition in similar circumstances, but they took the “leadership” title to heart. During our education sessions, one of my incredible co-counselors led a discussion about how to properly give yourself insulin. I have never seen a group of five to ten year-olds so enthralled with diabetes education. My co-counselor was not only teaching our campers about diabetes, but he was teaching me how to be a leader.

It was moments like these that made me realize how fortunate I was to be working alongside such incredible people and how important organizations like AYUDA and FHADIMAC are in promoting empowerment and sustainability.