A conversation with SOIL’s Keurlit Charles
Keurlit Charles, SOIL’s Field Operations Supervisor
We are continuing to engage in conversations with members of SOIL’s sanitation staff in Cap-Haitien to learn about the ways they are navigating the current situation in Haiti with their family and in their community. This week, we spoke with Keurlit Charles, SOIL’s Field Operations Supervisor, to check in and hear how the ongoing crisis in Haiti is impacting his work and his home.
Interviewer: How are you and your family doing right now?
Keurlit: Like every Haitian, my family and I fight to try to make a living. My family depends on my income from my job at SOIL because the other ways that we are usually able to generate income have ceased. In short, we are surviving.
Interviewer: What does a typical work day look like for you? Are you able to work?
Keurlit: I am always motivated to come to work. I am an easily adaptable person so I have been able to adjust to the current situation. I sometimes have to handle a fair amount of pressure during a workday, but I try my best to get the job done.
Due to the crisis, I prepare a plan the day ahead of time so that all collections can be done in half of a day instead of a full day. I prefer to go to the office every day because I like to keep myself busy. I plan to keep working unless it really becomes impossible.
Interviewer: How is the current situation in Haiti affecting your ability to do your job?
Keurlit: I am always looking for new ways to improve myself at work. The crisis allows us to think about what we can do to maintain SOIL’s sanitation service, and personally, it allows me to be more creative in finding solutions so that we can continue the collection.
Interviewer: How do you think SOIL is navigating these challenges?
Keurlit: The situation affects SOIL’s activities a lot. The level of insecurity has increased and it continues to be difficult to find fuel – in addition to other challenges that existed long before the crisis.
I want to thank SOIL for working to continue the EkoLakay service and helping the communities in the midst of such a difficult time.
Interviewer: What inspires you to continue to do this work despite all of the challenges?
Keurlit: What really inspires me is the fact that I love the work I do. My job is important to the day-to-day operations at SOIL. Knowing that many people rely on me to receive the sanitation service is motivating. I love the work SOIL does in communities and as long as I can I will support SOIL’s work bringing a solution to sanitation issues.
Interviewer: Is there anything you’d like to add or share about the current situation?
Keurlit: I think that during this crisis, SOIL must stay motivated because our work is important for the communities. We need to continue to develop strategies to deal with the current situation and the hardships that have been brought on by it.
Interviewer: Is there anything you’d like to add about what other members of your team are doing?
Keurlit: I really appreciate how the entire SOIL team shows dedication and works to continue the services.
Join us in sending encouragement and gratitude to Keurlit for his service and his inspiring outlook that keeps the whole SOIL team motivated!
Your continued support of SOIL is more critical than ever before. Maintaining access to in-home sanitation protects families and communities against public health crises and waterborne disease, and is intricately tied to human dignity. As we work to keep families safe and healthy, we thank you for being a part of our community and helping to ensure our doors stay open.
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SOIL depends on individual donations from people like you to fund our work in Haiti. Please consider supporting SOIL today.
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Dana Visalli
December 15, 2022 (4:20 pm)
Thanks to Keurlit for his inspirational and courageous work. It’s most unfortunately that we humans make life so hard for ourselves and our people. I personally use a composting toilet, and am actually mystified why the people around me seem to have no interesting in living in an at least somewhat ecologically sound manner. It’s the best game in town.