Haiti Volunteer Training
Rules and Guildelines for your time in Haiti
What is this course about?
This course is designed to equip you with practical guidelines and essential tools for respectful, effective, God honoring interaction while in Haiti. Participants will gain an understanding of Haitian history, culture, and social norms, along with guidance on communication styles, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity. The course emphasizes building positive relationships, navigating everyday interactions with confidence, and acting in ways that are ethical, safe, and mutually respectful. By the end of the course, you will be better prepared to engage thoughtfully with individuals in the Connect 2 community, fostering meaningful connections and avoiding common cultural misunderstandings.
Training Objectives
These are a few of the topics we are hoping to touch upon to better prepare you for your trip to Haiti.
History of the Restavek Children
Administrative Pre Trip Checklists
Guildelines for Interaction on the Compound
Cultural Considerations
History of Restavek Children
How they got here
What they've been through
Where they are going
+ info
+ info
We are looking to empower both the local community and the children in our homes as they reach adulthood by offering education in practical skills such as tailoring, auto mechanics, baking and animal husbandry, as well as small business management. Equipping them to launch their own businesses, graduates will be set up to achieve long-term financial stability and improved quality of life for their families.
+ info
We have a contract with social services in Haiti. If a child is reported to be abused and/or beaten in a home, social services will investigate and will determine if the child has legal documentation to be in that home. If they do not, and no family/ guardianship is found, they will come to us, and we are authorized to be their legal guardian.
The majority of restaveks in Haiti are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. They are regularly starved, beaten, and taken advantage of. Grievously, this reality is a common occurrence and has become a cultural norm for the people of Haiti.
A child who has began to heal
A child with a history of trauma
vs
What are a few behaviors once a child has began the healing process?
What are a few behaviors to be aware of for a child who is new to our home?
A Child with a History of Trauma
When a child is given a bed we remind that it is "theirs." We provide them ownership and their room mom creates a family atmosphere to demonostrate Christ's love to us as His children.
We will immediately try to establish community and trust back into their lives and show them that they don't need to rely on themselves to survive- to break down that survivorship menatlity.
When a child first come to our home they are in EXTREME survivorship mentality. They will steal, hoard, be loners, etc. They have a distrust of men and authority and may be angry or standoffish.
A Child who is Beginning to Heal
Children who are healing result back to cultural norms. They live in community- therefore, as Haitian culture allows, they will live in close promiximity to each other. Physical touch, kissing on the cheeks, men holding hands, will all be very normal interactions among each other and to those around them.
We work to reconstruct trust, reconstruct family. We are very careful who we allow in. Trust is necessary.
We focus a lot on the topic of forgiveness- correlating that to forgiving those who harm you. We slowly reestablish trust with men who are trustworthy, showing them how that correlates to a Heavenly Father who loves them.
Haiti Country Specfic Information
Haiti Country Specific Information
Housing/ Transportation
Food
Airport Safety
General Information
Safety on Outreach
10
Giving
Personal Information
Invitations
Weather and Modesty
Health
Guidelines for Interaction
We don't want our volunteers or children to ever be in a position of vulnerability or misunderstanding. We ask that all volunteers remain in a group of 3 (2 Americans minimum) or more and in plain sight at all times.
Refrain from allowing the children to take and/or use your phone without your direct supervision. We recommend leaving it in your room and on airplane mode when you are out working so it is out of sight when possible.
The kids are learning more and more English, but they love when you know Creole phrases. They especially love when you can remember their name!
No 1:1
Phone Useage
Language
Poyis is the authority on the compound. He has high expectations of them and they love him for it. They have tasks/chores, so please do not distract them from them. If we don't respect his authority we can undermind the structure he has set in place
As Americans we love to play "Santa." We love to give things away. We ask you to submit to the rules and leave US culture behind. We want the Haitian people to love you, and for you to show them the love of Jesus, without showing what you can give them.
Americans are known to be very LOUD, which can be perceived as rude by the Haitian culture. While they may like their music loud, their speech is soft. Please try to be respectful of your volume in social situations
Giving
Volume
Authority
How to be an Encouragement
Frandy Poyis is the Pastor on our compound. He carries a large load- there are many ways you can bless him while you're there and even when you're not.
Respect his authority with the kids
Pray for him
Follow his rules
Sit/Chat with him if you get a chance
Checklist to Complete Before Travel
- Fill out Connect 2 Ministries Haiti Team Volunteer Form
- Send a copy of your Drivers License and Passport to Erin Bay
- Submit Background Check if haven't completed in the past year with C2, or provide copy or report run by your church organization
- Email Erin Bay General Availibility for a Team Meeting
Take Aways
Our time in Haiti should open our eyes to the poverty and deep needs that exist not only there, but around the world, shaping our hearts with compassion and humility. As visitors in their country, we must remember that we are guests, called to respect Haitian culture, traditions, and ways of life rather than imposing our own preferences. The goal is not for the people we meet to become like Americans, but for them to encounter the love of Jesus in authentic ways that honor who they are. True impact happens when we support and encourage them to thrive within their own communities, strengthening families, churches, and neighborhoods in ways that reflect both faith and cultural dignity.
3. Airport Safety
Practicing Airport safety is imperative while on your outreach. When you arrive and depart from the Haitian airport, please always keep your personal items and luggage with you. You are in charge of your own belongings. Please make sure to keep questions and conversations to a minimum and follow the direction of the country host. Connect 2 Ministries has a process and system to get you safely in and out of the airport, as we have relationships with the staff there. If you have any urgent questions please ask your country host or team leader once you are out of the airport. For more country specific travel guidelines and airport regulations go to: www.cbp.gov
5. Food
Connect 2 Ministries will provide all meals prepared carefully by our staff. Everything is cooked, boiled, and peeled as necessary. Meats, beans, rice, and veggies are a bulk of what you will be eating. If you have any dietary restrictions or specific needs, please bring your owns snacks and meal replacements. Do not eat anything purchased from street vendors or offered by generous Haitians. If you are given food or drink, please take and thank the Haitians, but clarify with the country host before you consume anything. You may only drink purified or bottled water. Purified water is also available at the compound for everyone. Please bring an extra water bottle or two on the trip with you to refill. Please feel free to contact Erin Bay (erin@connect2ministries.org) if you need more details about anything related to personal diet or water.
8. Giving
Our policy is that nothing comes from an American hand and everything comes out of a Haitian hand. So please give any gifts or items (including, but not limited to, tips, tools, candy, etc) to the Connect 2 Staff in-country or to Pastor Poyis to distribute to others. Please also refrain from giving to beggars and others unless you talk with the country host. Most beggars are professionals and most children look at it as a game. If you give to one person, you most likely will have more people approach you. Also, please dont suggest items you think they need. Connect 2 and Pastor Poyis are very careful to only purchase what will help them to thrive in Haitian culture.
6. Health
Please see “Vaccination Information” for necessary shots and oral vaccinations recommended. Bring any medications or over the counter drugs needed or as prescribed by your doctor. If an emergency should arise, we have booked medical rescue. We are somewhat limited in resources so please make sure to bring everything you may need.
2. Safety on Outreach
Once you are approved on the outreach you are putting yourself in the care of our Country Host, In-country Partners, and Team Leader. To ensure your safety please follow all the guidelines, as instructed and stay close to your leaders unless directed otherwise. If you have any concerns please communicate directly to your team leader. Please refrain from bringing expensive items on the outreach. If you have any personal or valuable items, leave them at home. Exercise caution when traveling and always make sure to stay in pairs. Keep your money, passport, boarding passes close to your personal, during travel.
10. Personal Information
Please don’t give out your personal information. (i.e. phone number, address, etc) This is for your personal protection and the protection of our Staff. If you would like to stay in contact with a specific individual, please consult the country host about how to stay in touch.
7. Weather and Modesty
Clothing and Packing: Please see Packing list for specifics. Modesty is a big issue in the church in Haiti so please make sure to bring modest clothing. This an opportunity to care and set an example for the Haitians in the way that you dress. When around the compound tank tops and shorter shorts are acceptable. When you are outside of the gate, men can wear longer shorts and long pants. Women please wear nothing shorter than capris outside the compound. For any church related activities or training sessions women should wear a dress or skirt and shirt (over the shoulder). Men please wear a button down and nice pants for church. Please remember to bring and wear closed toed shoes for all projects and church related activities. You may bring sandals to wear inside housing.
1. General Information
Current President of Haiti: n/a Currency: Haitian Gourde (1USD= 131.8 HTG) Population: 11,983,927
4. Housing/Transportation
Connect 2 Ministries will provide all the lodging and transportation necessary for the team. We have vans that will be picking you up and dropping you off at the airports. You will stay at a Connect 2 Ministries compound.
9. Invitations
Please do not invite the Haitians to the United States. Casual comments can be taken seriously and we want to encourage the Haitians to serve within their country where the needs are many. We don’t want to discourage them from their own ministry and have any expectation that we cannot meet.
Haiti Volunteer Training
Erin
Created on January 29, 2026
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Transcript
Haiti Volunteer Training
Rules and Guildelines for your time in Haiti
What is this course about?
This course is designed to equip you with practical guidelines and essential tools for respectful, effective, God honoring interaction while in Haiti. Participants will gain an understanding of Haitian history, culture, and social norms, along with guidance on communication styles, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity. The course emphasizes building positive relationships, navigating everyday interactions with confidence, and acting in ways that are ethical, safe, and mutually respectful. By the end of the course, you will be better prepared to engage thoughtfully with individuals in the Connect 2 community, fostering meaningful connections and avoiding common cultural misunderstandings.
Training Objectives
These are a few of the topics we are hoping to touch upon to better prepare you for your trip to Haiti.
History of the Restavek Children
Administrative Pre Trip Checklists
Guildelines for Interaction on the Compound
Cultural Considerations
History of Restavek Children
How they got here
What they've been through
Where they are going
+ info
+ info
We are looking to empower both the local community and the children in our homes as they reach adulthood by offering education in practical skills such as tailoring, auto mechanics, baking and animal husbandry, as well as small business management. Equipping them to launch their own businesses, graduates will be set up to achieve long-term financial stability and improved quality of life for their families.
+ info
We have a contract with social services in Haiti. If a child is reported to be abused and/or beaten in a home, social services will investigate and will determine if the child has legal documentation to be in that home. If they do not, and no family/ guardianship is found, they will come to us, and we are authorized to be their legal guardian.
The majority of restaveks in Haiti are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. They are regularly starved, beaten, and taken advantage of. Grievously, this reality is a common occurrence and has become a cultural norm for the people of Haiti.
A child who has began to heal
A child with a history of trauma
vs
What are a few behaviors once a child has began the healing process?
What are a few behaviors to be aware of for a child who is new to our home?
A Child with a History of Trauma
When a child is given a bed we remind that it is "theirs." We provide them ownership and their room mom creates a family atmosphere to demonostrate Christ's love to us as His children.
We will immediately try to establish community and trust back into their lives and show them that they don't need to rely on themselves to survive- to break down that survivorship menatlity.
When a child first come to our home they are in EXTREME survivorship mentality. They will steal, hoard, be loners, etc. They have a distrust of men and authority and may be angry or standoffish.
A Child who is Beginning to Heal
Children who are healing result back to cultural norms. They live in community- therefore, as Haitian culture allows, they will live in close promiximity to each other. Physical touch, kissing on the cheeks, men holding hands, will all be very normal interactions among each other and to those around them.
We work to reconstruct trust, reconstruct family. We are very careful who we allow in. Trust is necessary.
We focus a lot on the topic of forgiveness- correlating that to forgiving those who harm you. We slowly reestablish trust with men who are trustworthy, showing them how that correlates to a Heavenly Father who loves them.
Haiti Country Specfic Information
Haiti Country Specific Information
Housing/ Transportation
Food
Airport Safety
General Information
Safety on Outreach
10
Giving
Personal Information
Invitations
Weather and Modesty
Health
Guidelines for Interaction
We don't want our volunteers or children to ever be in a position of vulnerability or misunderstanding. We ask that all volunteers remain in a group of 3 (2 Americans minimum) or more and in plain sight at all times.
Refrain from allowing the children to take and/or use your phone without your direct supervision. We recommend leaving it in your room and on airplane mode when you are out working so it is out of sight when possible.
The kids are learning more and more English, but they love when you know Creole phrases. They especially love when you can remember their name!
No 1:1
Phone Useage
Language
Poyis is the authority on the compound. He has high expectations of them and they love him for it. They have tasks/chores, so please do not distract them from them. If we don't respect his authority we can undermind the structure he has set in place
As Americans we love to play "Santa." We love to give things away. We ask you to submit to the rules and leave US culture behind. We want the Haitian people to love you, and for you to show them the love of Jesus, without showing what you can give them.
Americans are known to be very LOUD, which can be perceived as rude by the Haitian culture. While they may like their music loud, their speech is soft. Please try to be respectful of your volume in social situations
Giving
Volume
Authority
How to be an Encouragement
Frandy Poyis is the Pastor on our compound. He carries a large load- there are many ways you can bless him while you're there and even when you're not.
Respect his authority with the kids
Pray for him
Follow his rules
Sit/Chat with him if you get a chance
Checklist to Complete Before Travel
Take Aways
Our time in Haiti should open our eyes to the poverty and deep needs that exist not only there, but around the world, shaping our hearts with compassion and humility. As visitors in their country, we must remember that we are guests, called to respect Haitian culture, traditions, and ways of life rather than imposing our own preferences. The goal is not for the people we meet to become like Americans, but for them to encounter the love of Jesus in authentic ways that honor who they are. True impact happens when we support and encourage them to thrive within their own communities, strengthening families, churches, and neighborhoods in ways that reflect both faith and cultural dignity.
3. Airport Safety
Practicing Airport safety is imperative while on your outreach. When you arrive and depart from the Haitian airport, please always keep your personal items and luggage with you. You are in charge of your own belongings. Please make sure to keep questions and conversations to a minimum and follow the direction of the country host. Connect 2 Ministries has a process and system to get you safely in and out of the airport, as we have relationships with the staff there. If you have any urgent questions please ask your country host or team leader once you are out of the airport. For more country specific travel guidelines and airport regulations go to: www.cbp.gov
5. Food
Connect 2 Ministries will provide all meals prepared carefully by our staff. Everything is cooked, boiled, and peeled as necessary. Meats, beans, rice, and veggies are a bulk of what you will be eating. If you have any dietary restrictions or specific needs, please bring your owns snacks and meal replacements. Do not eat anything purchased from street vendors or offered by generous Haitians. If you are given food or drink, please take and thank the Haitians, but clarify with the country host before you consume anything. You may only drink purified or bottled water. Purified water is also available at the compound for everyone. Please bring an extra water bottle or two on the trip with you to refill. Please feel free to contact Erin Bay (erin@connect2ministries.org) if you need more details about anything related to personal diet or water.
8. Giving
Our policy is that nothing comes from an American hand and everything comes out of a Haitian hand. So please give any gifts or items (including, but not limited to, tips, tools, candy, etc) to the Connect 2 Staff in-country or to Pastor Poyis to distribute to others. Please also refrain from giving to beggars and others unless you talk with the country host. Most beggars are professionals and most children look at it as a game. If you give to one person, you most likely will have more people approach you. Also, please dont suggest items you think they need. Connect 2 and Pastor Poyis are very careful to only purchase what will help them to thrive in Haitian culture.
6. Health
Please see “Vaccination Information” for necessary shots and oral vaccinations recommended. Bring any medications or over the counter drugs needed or as prescribed by your doctor. If an emergency should arise, we have booked medical rescue. We are somewhat limited in resources so please make sure to bring everything you may need.
2. Safety on Outreach
Once you are approved on the outreach you are putting yourself in the care of our Country Host, In-country Partners, and Team Leader. To ensure your safety please follow all the guidelines, as instructed and stay close to your leaders unless directed otherwise. If you have any concerns please communicate directly to your team leader. Please refrain from bringing expensive items on the outreach. If you have any personal or valuable items, leave them at home. Exercise caution when traveling and always make sure to stay in pairs. Keep your money, passport, boarding passes close to your personal, during travel.
10. Personal Information
Please don’t give out your personal information. (i.e. phone number, address, etc) This is for your personal protection and the protection of our Staff. If you would like to stay in contact with a specific individual, please consult the country host about how to stay in touch.
7. Weather and Modesty
Clothing and Packing: Please see Packing list for specifics. Modesty is a big issue in the church in Haiti so please make sure to bring modest clothing. This an opportunity to care and set an example for the Haitians in the way that you dress. When around the compound tank tops and shorter shorts are acceptable. When you are outside of the gate, men can wear longer shorts and long pants. Women please wear nothing shorter than capris outside the compound. For any church related activities or training sessions women should wear a dress or skirt and shirt (over the shoulder). Men please wear a button down and nice pants for church. Please remember to bring and wear closed toed shoes for all projects and church related activities. You may bring sandals to wear inside housing.
1. General Information
Current President of Haiti: n/a Currency: Haitian Gourde (1USD= 131.8 HTG) Population: 11,983,927
4. Housing/Transportation
Connect 2 Ministries will provide all the lodging and transportation necessary for the team. We have vans that will be picking you up and dropping you off at the airports. You will stay at a Connect 2 Ministries compound.
9. Invitations
Please do not invite the Haitians to the United States. Casual comments can be taken seriously and we want to encourage the Haitians to serve within their country where the needs are many. We don’t want to discourage them from their own ministry and have any expectation that we cannot meet.