How much do you know about the history of Haiti? With just a little information, you may have more insight into the current situation in Haiti and the opportunities that you have to make a difference there.
In the 1700s, Haiti became a successful French colony with many sugar and coffee plantations; and because of the income from Haiti, France was the wealthiest country in Europe. In 1789, the population of Haiti was about 556,000.
Only 56,000 Haitians were free. 500,000 Haitians were slaves.
The Haitian Revolution, Politics & Money
It occurred in 1791-1804 and led to the first and only successful slave revolt. However, even though Haiti was free, neither France nor other countries recognized Haiti’s independence.
In 1825, France brought war ships to Haiti and gave Haiti two choices – they could pay reparations to France or France would start a war with Haiti by blowing up Port au Prince.
It took Haiti 122 years to pay back 112,000,000 francs (which would equal over $1 billion US in today’s money), which they were able to do primarily through loans to France and the US. Because of this huge debt, Haiti was unable to invest in its own infrastructure, education, or healthcare.
From 1900-1986, Haiti struggled with political instability and the US was involved with Haiti primarily for their own economic and political benefits, which didn’t necessarily benefit the Haitian people.
In 2003, Haitian President Aristide demanded that France pay $21 billion US in reparations, and in 2004, Haitian rebels and the US threatened Aristide, who then resigned. To keep the peace during times of political instability and natural disasters, the US sent troops to Haiti and they remained in Haiti until 2019.
Natural Disasters & Resulting Challenges
In addition to political and economic challenges, Haiti’s location makes her vulnerable to hurricanes and earthquakes. Deforestation problems (from selling timber to pay Haiti’s debts as well as from using wood for charcoal as a main source of fuel) causing landslides, floods, and mudslides as well as the location of the fault lines through densely populated Port au Prince, make tropical storms and earthquakes even more devastating.
In 2010, the earthquake in Haiti (the deadliest natural disaster in the 21st century) caused 250,000 deaths and over $8.5 billion US in economic damage. For 9 years after the earthquake, cholera, which was introduced to Haiti by foreign aid workers, infected 820,000 people and killed 10,000. In 2016, Hurricane Mathew resulted in 546 deaths, $2.8 billion US in economic damage, and the destruction of 200,000 Haitian homes. And in 2021, just a month after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Haiti experienced another earthquake resulting in 2200 deaths and $1.7 billion US in economic damages.
Apparent Project Solution & Long-Term Vision
The Apparent Project was started in 2009 with the original goal of empowering Haitian families. More recently, the vision was clarified and enhanced.
We are “Building Future Leaders of Integrity.”
An incredible opportunity to make a difference in Haiti!
It is our goal to serve a group of local families who live in poverty, and to love and teach their children so that they can become future leaders in Haiti – doctors, teachers, bankers, entrepreneurs, workers, and political leaders – perhaps even a Haitian president.
This is accomplished through investing in a group of qualified and godly Haitian staff who are teaching 100+ children (ages 6 weeks-6th grade) as well as teens and adults who are learning English and computer skills.
Our children learn that they are worthy of love and respect, have the opportunity to experience the love of God, and work on character development while also learning problem solving skills, social skills, and academic skills.
This is a long-range plan… but Haiti’s history is long and hard, and we have the exciting opportunity to change the trajectory of Haiti’s future.
Join us in bringing change to the future of Haiti! It’s a wonderful opportunity!
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Thank you for your generosity!
Blessings ~ Marilyn Monaghan, Apparent Project Director
Psalm 2:8 “Ask of Me & I’ll give you the Nations as an Inheritance for you!”
I’ve asked for Haiti!
