Ortiz: Hati’s history began with oppression
Dr. Patricio R. Ortiz, assistant professor of bilingual and multicultural education, presented on the history and continuing problems in Haiti before an audience of faculty and students Wednesday, April 27.
His remarks, “From Magical Realism to UN Intervention: Haiti’s Never Ending Crisis in Paradise Lost,” focused largely on the political and cultural history of Haiti, as well as current issues faced in the wake of the 2010 earthquake.
“The story of Haiti follows a circular pattern of history that begins with a tremendous amount of oppression,” Ortiz said. “It is a tremendously difficult environment where all statistics are abysmal”
Ortiz, who recently spent three weeks in Haiti, said he was inspired to give the presentation because he feels it is important to share ones experiences with faculty and students. Additionally, he felt it was important to raise awareness of the challenges Haiti currently faces.
“It is a country that has projects going on in whatever area you can think about,” Ortiz said. “I would like to spread the word around, maybe there are some people interested in getting involved in development programs with Haiti.”
Ortiz noted particularly an ongoing effort with the United Nations to build schools around the country. One of the major issues Haiti has been facing is a migration of the intellectual force to place like Florida and New York City, said Ortiz
“The brain drainage is tremendous,” he said. “Only 2 percent of schools there are public. There is a great need for curriculum development.”
Ann Marie Hyde, a sophomore majoring in professional and technical writing, attended the event in order to find out how Utah State can get more involved with Haitian relief efforts.
“We look for how we can connect USU with other countries,” said Hyde, who also works for the international research division in the Office of Global Engagement. “Its just good to get the word out and hopefully people will get excited about it.”
While she said Ortiz is very excited about getting students involved in the relief efforts, it’s clear that he can’t do everything himself.
“You might not be able to go to Haiti and help,” Hyde said. “That might not be a possibility, but if you are informed and aware of what’s going on that never hurts.”
Ortiz wrapped up his presentation with slides highlighting the destruction still visible in the capitol city from the earthquake that he said killed 250,000-350,000.
“Today there are still maybe one million people that are living in tents in Port-au-Prince,” he said. “But it is a country that has such a strong historical tradition and sense of self that in one way or another you realize that they are able to deal with these events.”
While Ortiz does not yet know when he can get students involved with development programs in Haiti, he hopes to have an agenda within six months.
Students that wish to get involved with relief efforts in Haiti are encouraged to get in contact with Ortiz or the Office of Global engagement.
– mike.burnham@gmail.com