Stories From Haiti We Don’t Hear Enough
SOIL Board Visiting the Waste Treatment site at Mouchinette
In January of this year, SOIL had the delight of hosting the first visitor trip to Haiti since 2021.
In the reflections below, our board members share what they experienced during their visit to Cap-Haïtien—offering stories that reveal a country that remains vibrant and fueled by hope.
During your January visit to Cap-Haïtien, was there anything that surprised you—about Haiti, SOIL’s work, or how the system functions day-to-day?
“It was incredible to see that the streets where collection was taking place were flooded even though it had not rained in a few days - I can only imagine how difficult collection must be during the rainy season. We saw collection vehicles with full buckets negotiating traffic at 5 pm - the team undergoes such long days of work.” - Tanvi Nagpal
“After living in Haiti for 6 years, I should know that the story we hear about Haiti is, at best, only ever a tiny sliver of the full story - and yet, it was incredible to see Cap-Haitien so... normal.” - Erica Lloyd
“I am always impressed by the team, this trip was no different.” - Jessica Covell
News coverage of Haiti often overlooks the ingenuity that exists across the country. Can you share one positive or joyful moment from your visit that stayed with you?
“The implementation of windrow composting with tractor turning was mind-blowing. Seeing the innovation and improvement turn a full-day, 2-person back-breaking task into a 5 minute process was stunning.” - Erica Lloyd
“The reality of SOIL staff moving throughout the city daily with well-marked uniforms carrying cash payments defies the dominant narrative about Haiti. A fabric of community, trust and respect must exist in Cap-Haitien for SOIL to be able to shift back to household cash payment collection when broader mobile money services hit a snag. SOIL management’s ability to respond calmly and effectively to daily external surprises - big and small - and keep the rest of the ship sailing is impressive. So much is happening in Haiti, and so much more is possible.” - Alyse Schrechongost
“I felt completely safe with the team in Cap. The fact that an open truck carried all our luggage through the streets was remarkable. The spirit of the staff was amazing - at the compost site and at the office.” - Tanvi Nagpal
How would you describe the context in which the SOIL team carries out its work—and what stood out to you about how they do it?
“The overwhelming amount of solid waste everywhere still shocks me. The smoke from burning garbage can't be good for anyone. It also saddened me to see so many children out of school, walking around in their neighborhood.” - Tanvi Nagpal
“In a country where everything - from history to daily life - is defined by immense struggle, it is so amazing to see SOIL thriving. The team is passionate, professional, and committed to providing service every single day, no matter what.” - Erica Lloyd
“The SOIL community units, headquarters, and compost facilities were immaculate, orderly, and buzzing as if it were all simple. I've been to countless sanitation project sites that were prepared in advance to receive donors and guests. Nothing compared to the uniform cleanliness, positivity and professionalism I saw on this visit. It was clear that SOIL’s company ethos permeates all levels; invariably, field staff are also constantly innovating to hit targets, taking pride in their work and in what that demonstrates is possible for Haiti in spite of challenges, constraints, and surprises.” - Alyse Schrechongost
During our board meeting, DINEPA Coordinator General Edwige Petit gave an overview on DINEPA's frameworks, functions, and challenges. What would you want others to understand about the role of public servants, their professionalism, and commitment—especially in the context of Haiti?
“Coordinator General Petit shared her vision for urban sanitation in Haiti balanced by a survey of practical implementation challenges. She shared her efforts to cultivate continued hope and progress with stories about her insistence on technical rigor and integrity, mentorship, and teaching. DINEPA faces instability, resource constraints, and a distance to cover that might drive many toward cynicism and indifference; Edwige seems to only wonder when the right time would be to take on something even more ambitious. NGOs like SOIL inspire, innovate, and demonstrate; they are not a substitute for the public sector. Edwige is holding open the door for a partnership with DINEPA to help scale SOIL's work, while leveraging their expertise to help advance DINEPA’s vision for safe, inclusive urban sanitation in Haiti.” - Alyse Schrechongost
Every day at SOIL, quiet acts of dedication and ingenuity retain access to safe sanitation for thousands of families across northern Haiti. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the SOIL board members who joined us on this recent visit to witness this work. Your presence—and the support of the entire SOIL community—helps amplify a narrative about Haiti that pays tribute to the everyday people working to improve their communities.
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