2013 Summer Internship Program

The Haitian American Caucus-Haiti is announcing its 2013 Summer Internship Program in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti.

Session 1: May 27th to June 30th (Application Deadline, April 1st)

Session 2: July 8th to August 11th (Application Deadline, May 1st)

Space is limited so we encourage all applicants to apply as soon as possible.

The internship program consists of three main components:

Service projects - work on and off the HAC-Haiti compound in your area of focus
Visiting partner organizations - travel to other non-profits in the area to tour their facilities and learn about development initiatives being carried out all over Haiti
Cultural Excursions - visit various landmarks throughout Port-au-Prince and the provinces

Requirements:

Able to live in a communal setting in a developing nation
Able to perform effectively and communicate clearly in a resource scarce environment
Able to work independently and as part of a multicultural team
Committed to helping empower the local Haitian community
Flexible with time and task requirements
Independent and self-motivated

Accommodations:

Interns live in a shared space on the second floor of our compound. 3 meals a day, twin or bunk style beds, Western style bathrooms with running water, and Wi-Fi Internet access is available for all interns. Haitian Creole lessons will also be provided. Interns are expected to pay an accommodation fee for their housing, meals, and transportation in Haiti. Interns are also responsible for airfare and any personal expenses throughout the program.

English Teaching Program:

Haiti's proximity to the United States and the English language's growing prominence in global markets is making it an attractive quality to prospective employers in Haiti. After many in the Croix-des-Bouquets area displayed interest in learning English, HAC started six English courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. After the completion of the course, students receive certification verifying their fluency to prospective employers. The English program is curriculum based, with daily lessons focusing on grammar and communication, through the use of books, worksheets, and multimedia.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Preparing curriculum
Planning classes and lessons
Teaching 2-3 classes a day
Preparing tests, quizzes, and placement exams
Grading exams and completing assessments of students

Qualifications:

English teaching experience and educational background required
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification preferred
French or Haitian Creole language skills preferred

Environmental Sustainability Internship:

Much of the food purchased within Haiti has been imported and comes at a higher price to the consumer than if the product was grown locally. HAC-Haiti strongly believes in the skills and efforts of its local small landowning farmers and seeks to continue to provide them with support and skills training that will help them expand their practices and sell their goods to a larger community. In addition to its agricultural training program, HAC-Haiti also runs an animal husbandry program.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Help start and develop school gardens and agricultural projects
Develop and manage environmental training programs
Work directly with local farmers to learn their specific challenges and needs
Observe and evaluate local environmental initiatives
Provide support for existing community programs

Qualifications:

Experience in agricultural training, animal husbandry, and/or organic farming required
2 years of agricultural experience preferred
Strong commitment to preserving the environment and sustainable agriculture required

Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Internship:

With the surrounding community's long-term well being in mind, HAC-Haiti's microfinance program Asosyasyon Fon Pam assists new and existing small business owners through training and capital in order for their businesses to grow. Participating entrepreneurs acquire effective and responsible business strategies which ensures long term sustainable ventures and increases their chances of success. Your involvement with our program will help enable marginalized people to create lasting change for themselves, their families, and their community.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop business training programs for new and existing entrepreneurs
Support program development and organization
Conduct country-level research on microfinance environments
Assist microfinance staff members and loan officers as needed
Help with administrative needs

Qualifications:

Experience in livelihood training required
Educational background in business, developmental studies, economics, finance, or women's empowerment required
French or Haitian Creole language skills preferred

Marketing and Fundraising Internship:

Marketing and Fundraising Interns will have the exciting and challenging job of telling the story of the people of Croix-des-Bouquets and how HAC-Haiti is working alongside them for the development of the local economy, educational system, and community. Interns will employ various social mediums to increase the awareness of HAC-Haiti in the international community.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Plan online fundraisers
Take photos for social media, website, and promotional literature
Draft website content and assist in updating website and social media
Blog about current events at HAC-Haiti
Create newsletters, brochures, flyers, posters, and pamphlets
Create write-ups of programs and initiatives at HAC-Haiti

Qualifications:

Educational background or experience in marketing, communications, communication design, business, or journalism required
English language fluency required
French or Haitian Creole language skills preferred
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required

Primary Education Internship:

Over 90% of Haitian primary schools are private and ultimately too costly for families. Therefore, parents are often faced with the difficult decision of which child or children within the household will attend school each year. As a result, many children go without schooling for long periods of time. This disruption in educational advancement and sometimes a complete lack access makes many Haitians susceptible to cyclical elements of poverty. Through the continued support of its partner network of local schools and its teacher's association, HAC-Haiti aims to enhance the future potential of all of our students as well as students throughout Croix-des-Bouquets and prepare them for bright futures.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Preparing curriculum
Planning classes
Teaching 2-3 classes a day
Preparing tests and quizzes
Grading exams and completing assessments of students

Qualifications:

Teaching experience and education background required
Experience working with primary school-aged children preferred
French or Haitian Creole language skills required

Public Health Internship:

Following recent surveys completed in the local community, HAC-Haiti confirmed that many community members are suffering from a lack of access to medical care and many other Public Health issues that plague the rest of Haiti. The lack of access to health education, proper health care, and treatment centers leaves many community members prone to suffering from otherwise treatable conditions or even facing an early mortality rate. Interns work in partnership with several schools around Croix-des-Bouquets, training staff and students on various public health issues such as family planning, water sanitation, first aid, domestic violence, and other local needs.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Conduct community public health needs assessments
Reach out to local schools and clinics
Plan and coordinate training workshops at various sites
Train community members, including children, on the most pressing local topics
Distribute public health literature

Qualifications:

Educational background and experience in public health, nursing, or medicine required
French or Haitian Creole language skills preferred