Building destroyed after the earthquake
By: Sofia Ranieri
On August 14th, 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti and left a death toll of 2,189 as well as 12,268 injured people. The earthquake destroyed many homes and buildings in areas outside the capital of Haiti, specifically where the structures were not as stable. Due to the destruction of these buildings, most schools in that area are closed until October. Fortunately, more people are helping the homeless and injured in Haiti, including organizations like Hartshaiti, Hope for Haiti and For the Kid.
Lentz Wendy Civil (far left) and other artists at Hartshaiti.
I spoke with Lentz Wendy Civil, the Founder of Hartshaiti, to learn more about the current situation in Haiti and the non profit organisation she founded. Hartshaiti is an institution specializing in the development and career management of young Haitian creatives aged between 16 and 25 years old. They focus their efforts on solving concrete problems, such as environmental, educational and social problems through art. Hart’s built a community to connect young creatives, where they identify and develop talent by providing them resources to stimulate their creativity and develop their knowledge in order to remain productive throughout their careers. Hart’s specifically helps children during tragedies to help them overcome their trauma. Their goals for the future are to introduce technology into Haitian art without affecting their identity and culture. By using technology as a tool, they are not only able to reach a wider audience and to facilitate the lives of more creatives from vulnerable neighborhoods, but they are also using it to innovate while participating in the progress of Haiti’s creative economy.
Hartshaiti members at work
Another challenge in Haiti is the current state of the government, after the assassination of Haiti’s president, Jovenel Moise. The current Prime Minister and President is Ariel Henry after he was appointed by the deceased president. Civil informed me that the Haitian government has been “like a ghost” after the assassination. In Haiti the Prime Minister is appointed by the head of government or president and the president is chosen by the people. The government’s job was to organize an election for the next Prime Minister but nothing has been set up yet.
You can support recovery efforts in Haiti by purchasing artwork, donating or learning about Hartshaiti on their website here: Le Cœur de la Culture Haïtienne – Pour une meilleure valorisation. Follow them on Instagram @hartshaiti and Lentz Wendy Civil’s account @w.civil_.
Works Cited
“New Haiti Leader with International Backing to Take Charge.” Msn, 19 July 2021, www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/official-haitis-interim-prime-minister-to-step-down/ar-AAMjX2q.
Rivers, Matt, et al. “'Haiti Is REELING:' Earthquake Survivors Overwhelm Hospitals in Disaster-Hit Nation.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 Aug. 2021, www.cnn.com/2021/08/18/americas/haiti-earthquake-news-wednesday-intl/index.html.
Staff. “7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Haiti.” The Florida Star | The Georgia Star, 21 Aug. 2021, www.thefloridastar.com/articles/7-2-magnitude-earthquake-hits-haiti/.