JEUNE OFEDA'S
GIRLS WRITE HAITI
BECOMING LEADERS
Each of the Girls has changed as a result of their membership in JEUNE OFEDA. In these two interviews they speak about what has inspired them by being part of a Girls Group in Haiti, and how they are offering their inspiration and what they have learned to help others at school and in the camp.
Bonsoir. My name is Wismide. I am 17 years old. I live close to the camp. After the earthquake I was afraid to go outside because so many girls in my neighborhood were being raped and violated by different men. I was scared and very unhappy when I heard girls talk about what happened to them. I did not risk to go outside because I did not want to be one of them. Because I live close to the camp, some of the girls from Jeune Ofeda asked me to join with them, and not to be afraid. They told me how the group helped them. So I joined.
They have helped me to learn to read and to write. Also, we had different activities like dancing. Being a member I have a different mind set. I am around other teenage girls like myself. I am able to talk with them and share some of my stories without being judged. Even thought sometimes we have our differences, we are able to work it out. It has been a great decision. I am very happy. That's why I will encourage others to join a group like ours or with us. Thank You.
Bonsoir. My name is Mismaille. I am 13 years old. I have been living in this camp since after January 12, 2010. I was always unhappy because of what was around me. I joined the group in the camp. It really helped me not to feel anxious. I love to write and to dance and write poetry. I began to write lots of poetry about my country Haiti. I wrote about my love of Haiti and the life one is living here.
Because of the Girls Group I become a leader for children. I would love them to have activities that I bring from what we do. I look forward to meeting other groups and helping others. So we can excel.
Thank You.
Bonsoir. Bonsoir. My name is Darlene. I am a member of Jeune Ofeda Group. I am 17 years old. Being part of Ofeda Girls has helped me so much. Often I do what is my favorite thing: I write poetry.
Also, I am one of the leaders of our group. I enjoy being a leader so that I can mentor other girls, and the children of the camp. From what I have learned in the group, I share with others. What really inspires me the most is what I benefit from: writing poetry. Because poetry has allowed me to express myself about what I think and I feel. Of what I see. And, what makes me happy or sad. Writing poetry one can express all of these feelings. I want to give back to this community. So I can brighten someone's else's future. Thank you.
(Tina was seperated from her mother after the quake in 2010. She finally arrived in the camp one year later).
BONSOIR. My name Is Tina. I am sixteen years old. After the earthquake I was very sad and unhappy. I suffered over the situation that included all the young people around me. I decided to become part of the Jeune Ofeda Group to better myself and to find happiness again. Once I started in the group I found the girls were very friendly. I was able to smile again. That motivated me to help others in the camp because of how others supported me. I learned to write a proper way; to have critical thinking and to dance. I enjoy dancing. I am very grateful for what it gave to me and presented into the community in the camp.
The group has helped me to discover that I am a leader. All that I have benefited from I can give to help those in this neighborhood, particularly the children who are in the same situation as I am . I help them to read and write, to dance and smile. It is my pleasure to teach them and interact with them especially if they do not know something. If you don't know how to dance or write, I show them. It is a great accomplishment to be in this group. That is the reason I enjoy being a leader. I say, those who are in need, do not be afraid. Thank You.