Bonjou louvri pot – “Hello opens doors”

Our research team with our translator, Raymond, on his last day working with us.

Published August 4, 2015, last updated on October 17, 2017 under Voices of DGHI

By June Zhang 

When I began my eight-week journey as a student researcher for Family Health Ministries, I was eager to engage with the community and learn more about current health disparities within the population. As the poorest country in the Western hemisphere with one of the highest NGOs per capita, Haiti has been one of America’s hotspots for providing foreign aid, especially in the healthcare sector. I came with little understanding of Haitian history and even fewer language skills, but was very excited to be immersed in a new culture and environment.  

Investing my time in learning Creole was one of the most rewarding and impactful skills I’ve developed during my fieldwork experience. I have seen how much power language holds in connecting with the community in meaningful ways. Both our research projects we were working on were survey-based, so we were participating in conversations on a daily basis with locals throughout Leogane. Even through my broken, pieced-together phrases and heavy American tongue, Haitians were very patient and kind, trying their best to work with us and understand us as best they could.

I was most surprised by the all warmth and generosity Haitians have provided us during our work in the field. Going door to door to administer our surveys, so many people have eagerly welcomed us into their homes. With our translators, Raymond and Berlyne, we approached peoples’ doorsteps and greeted them with a smile and a simple greeting of “Bonjou. Koman ou ye?” We explained the premise of our research project and why we were here in their community. As locals listened to our introduction, they brought out chairs for us, insisting that we sit even if they remained standing. They were eager to welcome us into their homes and made room for all of the medical equipment we carried around with us.

Even further, many participants have been very open about their private lives and health matters. Especially in our research work investigating misconceptions surrounding contraceptive methods, women have been eager to share their personal experiences about a subject that is typically viewed as taboo and hidden in the United States. Women of all ages ask us very honest questions about how different birth control methods work or concerns they are having about menstruation. Even as foreigners, they confide in us and trust our knowledge and words of advice. While it is important to recognize our position of power as Americans in this situation, I am still so humbled by their ability to openly talk about these issues.

In much of my global health coursework, I have learned that developing a relationship and learning about the community’s needs is a fundamental priority before implementing any degree of change. Even with our enthusiastic spirits in picking up Creole, it was still very evident that we were foreigners. Our translators played a crucial role in our research, breaking down language barriers and establishing a mutual trust between the researchers and the participants.

Reflecting on my experience living and working in Leogane, I have witnessed firsthand how the small and simple things, such as putting in effort to learn the local language or greeting someone with a warm hello, can pave the way in forging genuine connections with the population you are serving. I was constantly amazed and humbled by the generosity of the Haitian people in welcoming us into their homes and letting us into their lives with open arms. My work in Haiti may have come to a close, but I will be forever grateful for the hospitality and warmth the people of Leogane showed me. 

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