Global Health Pursuit

Episode Shownotes

29. Unlocking Haiti's Future: A Deep Dive into Social Justice, Education, and Healthcare

 
 

Subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite platform!

In our recent podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Callie Himsl, a tireless advocate for social justice, education, and healthcare in Haiti. Callie, who transitioned from a corporate career in America to work with the La Pointe Foundation in Haiti, shared insightful and often challenging realities about life in this beautiful, yet troubled country.

The conversation began with an exploration of the often misunderstood issue of why some children end up in orphanages. Callie explained that a lack of job opportunities, education, and health equity often force parents into the heart-wrenching decision to relinquish their children to orphanages. It is a situation made even more complex by the issue of volunteerism. Well-intentioned foreigners often inadvertently cause harm by creating dependence rather than empowering local communities. This is where Hymsel's advocacy for social entrepreneurship comes into play, as a sustainable solution to these challenges.

We also highlighted the exceptional work of Lumos, an organization supported by renowned author JK Rowling. Lumos advocates for the end of institutionalization of children worldwide, focusing on the importance of family care. We delved into how social entrepreneurship, through initiatives like Papillon Marketplace, can create jobs and empower individuals to take care of their families, reducing the financial burdens that often lead to children being placed in orphanages.

Callie then spoke about the state of education and healthcare in Haiti, revealing that 90% of schools in the country are funded by the church, leading to an inconsistent public education system. Less than 6% of people in Haiti graduate from high school due to prohibitive tuition costs and lack of sustainability. Callie is so passionate about the work of La Pointe Foundation, which is committed to providing educational opportunities in Haiti.

The podcast also covered the topic of reactive attachment disorder, a form of attachment disorder that usually begins with neglect. This disorder has implications on brain development, and Callie shed light on how foreign aid and volunteerism can unintentionally perpetuate it. We discussed the urgent need for job creation in Haiti, as a lack of formal employment can lead to further unrest and instability.

In conclusion, this eye-opening podcast episode served as a reminder that improving the state of education and healthcare in Haiti requires a holistic approach. It is a mission that needs the combined efforts of organizations like La Pointe Foundation, individuals like Callie Himsl, and the global community. Each of us can contribute to this global health pursuit in our unique ways, whether through advocacy, financial support, or simply by raising awareness about the challenges and solutions in Haiti.

Who is Callie Himsl?

 
 

Callie is an experienced professional and entrepreneur with a strong history of international relations and social business and a degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy. She specializes in community development and economic empowerment utilizing over 15 years of branding and marketing experience and over a decade of international work.

Hetal BamanComment