Gatton MBA Grads Help Haitians, Gain Experience

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 23, 2011) – Recent MBA graduates from the University of Kentucky College of Business and Economics got the opportunity to translate their business skills to a real-world situation in Haiti, thereby helping the people of the impoversished nation while gaining valuable experience in the process. 

Beth Lakes, Jody Shoup, and Simon Palmer wrote a report on their summer experience in Haiti where, with the support of Alltech, they worked on improvements to a hand-picked coffee cooperative. 

Here is their first-hand account:

"Until you see it and smell it, you haven’t experienced it.  We understood our mission in Dondon, Haiti was to serve as a catalyst, motivating the co-op and its members to improve and expand upon their current capabilities, creating a sustainable, successful model.

"Each day we traveled the hour and a half drive to Dondon from Cap-Haitian on a bumpy, washed-out road.  The trip was much like a parade in the U.S.; children would run to the side of the road to wave and call out to us.  We responded to their interest with candy, tennis balls and Beanie Babies.  Upon arrival at the co-op we would be greeted by Joseph, the co-op president, and Ma Vivi, the secretary.  They were thrilled to see we had come to help improve their co-op and were a constant presence.  We could count on Ma Vivi to treat us to a delightful wholesome breakfast of fresh fruit, coffee and bread.

"We were charged with painting the entrance wall as well as the surrounding co-op buildings.  Additionally, a new nursery for the coffee plants needed to be constructed.  While we painted, the village children would peek through the back entrance of the co-op to watch our progress.  We frequently traveled between the co-op, village school, and school kitchen, and the children would follow us with glowing eyes of intense curiosity and intrigue.  Despite the language barrier, we quickly learned that laughter, songs, and games are universal; games of slap hands and 500 were well received and became a key tool for us to bond. 

"Woosley and Robinson are two co-op members who promptly became a part of our team. Their leadership was inspiring and refreshing in a disorganized, frenetic environment.  They were quick to jump in and help with any project we were working on, and would organize many of the local men to assist. 

"Each of us had an opportunity to relate to the local residents during our breaks from work.  During one of our breaks a little boy came up to me and said he had something to show me.  In broken English he informed me that his name was Roulinx and he was 12 years old.  He took me to his home.  Once inside he pulled out a tattered old school book and told me that he had been studying English on his own because he wanted to come to America one day to attend school.   Of all the children, Roulinx’s English was the best, even aiding in communication with the other Haitian children.  I made it a point to encourage his progress, suggesting that his dream could potentially become a reality; Haiti is a nation that desperately needs hope.

"The days flew by quickly.  As we neared the end of the week, we spent one of our breaks watching the kids play a game of keep away with a tennis ball that we had given them.  As I watched I held a baby named Dievilensky whom I had bonded with during the week.  She had really taken to me as I took turns with the villagers carrying her around throughout during my visit.  On this particular occasion she had fallen asleep in my arms.  Her mother, Rose, found one of the interpreters and brought him to me in order to ask  me to be her daughter’s Godmother because she hoped for the best for her child.  I explained that while I may not make it back to Haiti, I would be happy to act as an honorary Godmother, supporting Dievilensky through prayer.  She was pleased with the idea and encouraged me to come back and visit when I could.

"Each evening we would survey our surroundings, satisfied with the progress we had made.   We were pleasantly surprised when we realized that we could actually see the bright yellow wall in Dondon from the heights of the Citadelle - a bright yellow gem in the lush green valley.  We enjoyed building relationships with the kids, handing out treats, and playing games.  More importantly we left a legacy with the improvements made to the co-op in Dondon, Haiti.  Hopefully the co-op and its members will be positively moved by our efforts and continue to work to better the co-op.

"Dr. Pearse Lyons of Alltech stressed the importance of relating our experience to others so that they too may be moved, encouraging us to tell our story…this was just a small piece of ours."

A video about the volunteers working on the co-op, including Jim Potter, director of corporate relations and director of Project Connect for Gatton's MBA programs, can be accessed here.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6BzNVcutq8.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Carl Nathe, (859) 257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu.