Faculty panel shares expertise on aid

A panel of University of Cincinnati faculty gave tips Thursday, Feb. 4 on how the
university can help relief efforts in Haiti.

To address the long-term problems, the four-member panel agreed a multidisciplinary approach was most effective. The members also urged students to learn as much as possible about Haitian life and culture to better understand what kind of obstacles citizens are facing.

“There’s no better institution than a university to address these crises,” said Michael Zaretski, an associate professor of architecture. “As a university, I think what we offer is long-term planning.”

Despite the number of volunteers going to Haiti to personally help with reconstruction, members of the panel said monetary donations are still a key portion of relief. However, panelists stressed researching organizations before donating them.

“Disasters like this make us feel helpless,” said Jeff Jacobson, an assistant professor of anthropology and panel member. “I think it’s important for us to take action.”

Members of the panel agreed current relief efforts are splintered, and relief needs to be more organized to be effective in the long run.

“We really need to take a moment to find out what the issues are. As a student, learn and educate yourself,” said Tom Hadley, associate vice president of student services. “There is going to be a critical moment you can plug yourself into.”

By learning more about the country, students will be able to see the larger issues and make contributions based on information, Hadley said.

Jana Braziel, an associate professor of English and member of the panel, explained how the United States’ presence could be misconstrued because of previous occupations by
U.S. forces.

Haitian response might turn out somewhat different than expected, she said. At least one colleague agrees.

“I think the disaster provides great opportunity,” Jacobson said. “It also gives the opportunity to rob a country of sovereignty.”

However, Chris Lewis, an adjunct assistant professor of family medicine, said Haitians citizens should play a key role in the reconstruction.

“The one underutilized resource used in Haiti right now is the strength of the people,” said Lewis, who has been working in remote and poor villages in Tanzania with his organization
Village Life Outreach.

Lewis referenced his experience working in Africa and said, currently, the key to saving lives in Haiti is preventing illness.

Ultimately, though, the panel members urged students to take the initiative, as professors and faculty might be too busy to start relief programs.

“Don’t wait for [the administration] to do something,” Zaretski said.