The Optimist

Miriam Kerler

Staff Writer

2009 South graduate Jolees Brown was born and raised in Haiti, moving to the United States at the age of 15 when she was adopted by an American family. When news of the recent 7.0 earthquake reached American media, Brown grew tremendously worried. “I was very concerned, selfishly for my family because I did not know of their well being,” said Brown.  “I was also worried for my people; it made my heart melt to see my country and my home shaken to the ground.” 
      Although Brown is not in constant touch with her birth mother, her friend recently traveled to Haiti, returning with news of her family’s whereabouts and conditions. Along with many, Brown’s mother lost her home and is temporarily residing in a government building in her hometown of Bourdon Port-au-Prince until further plans are developed.

The Haitian government began a programme to move homeless people out of Port-au-Prince on a ferry to Port Jeremie and in hired buses to temporary camps.  

Chemistry teacher Neil Rapp also has a friend in Haiti, whom he met when using ham radio to communicate with sources in Haiti before the devastating earthquake had struck. As the sponsor of South’s ham radio club, which communicates via radio with other operators across the globe, Rapp, once able to regain contact with his Haitian friend, asked club members on their thoughts of participating in Haitian relief efforts. The club encouraged the idea, and began funds nearly immediately following the news of such an opportunity.
      Senior Victoria McClary said, “I think it’s very important to do something to support those families, and especially because of our connection with ham radio, since it is their only means of contact while power is down.” Although it is impossible to communicate with Haitians via ham radio currently because of its restricted use for emergency only and limit to certain frequencies, Rapp has been able to maintain contact with his friend through email and Facebook. The friend’s internet is supported by a portable power generator.
      Money collected through ham radio’s efforts goes straight to an orphanage located in Jacmal, which Rapp’s friend has been dedicated to rebuilding. “The town of Jacmal is in ruins, and many people have died there,” said Rapp. Aid from the U.N., U.S. the Red Cross, or any other outside sources has not reached the town yet, and medical supplies are being shipped from the Dominican Republic, which is costing the Haitians a great deal. “We are raising money as a direct donation, and it’s comforting knowing our money goes to the right cause,” said senior Cassie Qualls. Haitian natives appreciate such direct contributions as Brown said, “Since the earthquake was so unexpected, direct funding for a quick start, food and shelter is very necessary.”
      Ham radio efforts have included competitions and donation collections. At sporting events and other school activities, club members have been collecting change and any other donations for the benefit of Haiti. There is also competition to see which 1st period class can raise the most money for Haiti. A free breakfast will be rewarded to the class with the greatest donation.
      Former citizens of Haiti, such as Brown, will forever be grateful to those who have taken time to help the reconstruction of the Haitian community. “I think that help and funding from this country can be very helpful, especially in times of emergencies like this,” said Brown. “The Haitian community greatly appreciates the actions that Americans are taking to reinsure that it is not going to be great, but it will be OK.”