Local Labor: A Better Idea
When we first moved to Haiti more than 12 years ago, we were totally naive and unaware, like most folks are when they change cultures and countries. We were not an exception to this norm, and it put us in a position to learn … a whole lot.
It is never that people plan (well, I hope not) to do unkind or ignorant things, it is simply that good intentions often fall short.
Intending good does not necessarily equal doing good.
In our time here we have watched and been a part of many cringe-worthy situations – you know the ones I mean. We have observed and/or participated in things that later made us have shame, grief, and perhaps a very large tummy ache. I will spare you the painful examples today and try to get to the punchline.
Our philosophy about serving/working cross-culturally and missions has changed a ton due to what we have experienced in the Haiti School of Hard Knocks.
When it has been within our control, Troy and I have chosen to hire local labor to complete projects – instead of short term missions groups. Groups can come tour and say hi (we love that!) but we really don’t want visitors to take jobs from anyone. If the job you are offering to do can be done by a Haitian, we want to give them that opportunity.
As Directors of Heartline, we are committed to employing local crews whenever it is possible. On occasion, we run into situations where the local laborer won’t be able to do exactly what we hope to do. This is usually due to construction practices or materials and skillset available. However, for the vast majority of projects, we desire and prefer to provide jobs to laborers in the local economy.
In our minds, Heartline does not only offer maternal health care and programs to strengthen Haitian families – we also employ dozens of talented and hard working Haitians who want to work.
Recently, long-time donors and friends of Heartline Ministries wrote to say that years back they had come to Haiti and worked on a few projects. They wondered about coming again in 2018 to help with whatever was needed.
We took a risk and told them the truth of what was needed. We shared that the outside of the Maternity Center was in rough shape and was painted two or three different colors. We went on to tell this couple that the project was a big one – but more importantly, it was one that could provide jobs.
These donors heard us, trusted us, and were thrilled to give jobs to people who need jobs. Rather than buy airline tickets to come paint for us, they donated that money to Heartline and allowed us to hire a local painting crew!
Samuel the painter and his crew worked for six days and transformed our peeling and unmatched building into something quite snazzy! They completed the job and walked away with a fair wage and huge smiles.
(Below, check out more before and after photos! We love the Maternity Center’s new look – teal blue, white trim, and red accent – perfectly Caribbean.)
More than simply showing you Samuel and his crew’s excellent work, and the beautifully re-painted MC, I would like to encourage you to ask and consider how we can all do better when considering a short term mission trip.
Can the work you might be doing while you visit provide a job for someone?
Wouldn’t it feel great to give a materially poor mom or dad the opportunity to earn an income to support their family?
(Yes. It feels great. Ask Samuel.)
I especially want to thank our friends that gave for this project. Thank you for trusting what we shared and hiring local labor. Your gift is not only putting smiles on the faces of many women who come to the MC for care – but also provided meaningful employment for Samuel and other Haitian men who are now able to better provide for their families. This was a huge encouragement and gift to us all.
About the Author
Tara Livesay
Tara Livesay is originally from Minnesota. She is a Certified Professional Midwife and a Licensed Midwife in the State of Texas. Tara is the director of the Heartline Maternity Center, located in Port au Prince, Haiti. Tara and her husband, Troy, along with their seven children, moved to Haiti in January of 2006, where they lived and worked for fourteen years. In addition to overseeing The Heartline Maternity Center, Tara is the co-founder of The Starting Place, a center for maternal healthcare and education in Central Texas. She’s also a co-author of The Starting Place Curriculum, which equips healthcare providers to provide holistic midwifery care in low-resource settings.
