February 9, 2010

6:00 p.m.
Institute of the Americas

UCSD Campus, La Jolla
Parking in Pangea Parking Garage

This event is free. When you register, you may make a contribution to Haiti, or just come to the event to learn about Haiti.

The Institute of the Americas, will redirect 100% of all funds collected.

• Register /  Donate
  

Join the Institute of the Americas for a discussion on Haiti's reconstruction and for an exhibition of extraordinary Haitian paintings and handicrafts

 Frederick Conway, Assistant Professor, Anthropology Department at San Diego State University, wrote his dissertation on Haiti, has done forestry projects there and speaks Haitian Creole. His current research focuses on sustainability. He will talk about Haiti’s reconstruction and the road to long-term sustainability for the country.

George Guimaraes, President & CEO and Janine Schooley, Senior Vice President of Programs, Project Concern International (PCI). Janine is just returning from Haiti, where PCI has been working on the ground on the relief efforts. The speakers will provide the perspective of an organization operating in Haiti, the problems encountered and how the organization sees reconstruction evolving once public attention is focused elsewhere.

►  7:00 p.m. Exhibit viewing and wine reception

Robert C. Brictson and Larry Kent, both avid collectors and admirers of Haitian art will be at hand during the reception to answer questions about historical and cultural aspects of Haiti and to display items from their large collections. Dr. Brictson alternated living between Haiti and the United States from 1973 until September 2009. His residence and gallery were in Jacmel, a 17th century coffee port. Larry Kent has visited the island on numerous occasions and has one of San Diego’s largest collections of Haitian paintings.

While fundraising efforts have been unprecedented and made simple by technology, Haiti needs much more to begin to reconstruct. The Institute of the Americas urges the UCSD and the San Diego-Tijuana communities to donate to two organizations that are working on the ground in Haiti:

International Action – Water for Haiti -

International Action worked in Haiti long before the earthquake. The organization’s work is singular: purifying water to prevent disease, especially in children. International Action installs chlorinators, each of which provide clean water to close to 10,000 people. Since the earthquake, the organization has been delivering water by trucking it to poor areas.

Project Concern International (PCI) Project Concern International is based in San Diego and is collaborating with local and international partners in Haiti to help deliver food, water, hygiene kits and kitchen sets. PCI is also working with local organizations to establish the infrastructure needed to streamline the delivery of supplies and aid, as well as addressing issues related to protection for women and children, beginning the economic recovery and providing water, sanitation, and shelters for the displaced.