The nine representatives of the Vassar Haiti Project stared in awe at the sight before them. It was early morning on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, and the group was about to undertake the steep, two-hour hike to the Haitian mountain village of Chermaitre. They had been told that villagers would gladly meet them at road’s end to carry up the suitcases, duffle bags and knap sacks loaded with almost 1,000 pounds of clothing, and educational and medical supplies. What the travelers did not expect to see were several young schoolgirls nonchalantly hoist these bags over their heads and bound with nary a complaint up the hill!



When asked about this amazing feat, the group’s host in Haiti, Reverend Noe Bernier, said, “ In Haiti, hospitality means to give freely everything of yours to your guests. What you see as incredible, these children whom you have come far to visit see as their pleasure, the least they can do.” Vassar student Emily Strasser said, “That puts things in perspective. Without any bags, even those of us in shape were sweating, out of breath and guzzling our water!”

In all, 5,000 items were donated by individuals, organizations and businesses in the Hudson Valley. So many individuals and groups contributed items for the Vassar Haiti Project to bring to Haiti. Among this vast treasure were contributions of 175 toothbrushes by Donna and Andrew Trimboli, 200 calculators by John Dux of IBM, a dozen soccer balls by Gold’s Gym, a large assortment of artist supplies by Catskill Art Supply, and a large quantity of school supplies by the children of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fishkill. In addition, about $3,000 was contributed to help defray trip expenses.

Under the guidance of registered nurse Deb Hillard, the team conducted basic medical evaluations on nearly 300 children in Chermaitre. Said Hillard afterward, “Haiti was the experience of a lifetime – absolutely profound!” The group observed and slept inside the nearly completed new primary school building, and engaged village leaders in fruitful dialogue about what they saw next for Chermaitre.

The village’s top priority was quickly identified - ready access to potable water. Water is currently obtained by walking a half-mile downhill with a bucket, filling it up with water, and returning uphill to the village. Also high on the list was a commitment to reforest the nearby barren hills with fruit trees and coffee, which would boost both the food supply and cash flow into the village. School leaders expressed a desire to add grades 7, 8, & 9 as well as a technical school which would teach marketable skills.



Accompanying Vassar Haiti Project co-chairs Lila and Andrew Meade and visiting Haiti for the first time were Vassar freshman Raluca Besliu, sophomore Emily Strasser, junior Grace Tan, and senior Ken Simons. Also first time visitors were Deb Hillard, a registered nurse, Caryn Halle, a nutrition consultant, and volunteer Greg Flaherty. Greg’s words upon returning to the United States echoed everyone’s sentiments, “I want to go back!”