“So this has truly been a global effort -- an amazing example of what nations and what people can do when they come together to do what’s right. The road ahead, as you know, is not going to be easy. And it’s not going to be quick. As you know, the rainy season is coming soon; it is here. The hurricane season is coming, too. But I heard a wonderful Haitian proverb that puts this all in perspective. And some of you probably know it. It says, ‘Little by little, the bird builds its nest’.” Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States
Dear Colleagues,
We all viewed with dismay the first images broadcast of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year. As a Haitian American, this tragedy was a most personal one for me. But I know that the resolve and faith of the Haitian people will carry my homeland to new and better heights as recovery turns to rebuilding in the years ahead.
All of us with Haitian ties are grateful to the outpouring of support the world is showing. In boardrooms and classrooms all over the world, people are devising ways to help the people of Haiti – and they are making a difference.
Many of you have faculty, staff, and students on campus who have raised funds, staged food drives, and devised creative ways to lend support to Haiti. We heard from several of you at our annual conference about these efforts. In an effort to gather information about the great work community colleges in the U.S. are doing to support the Haitian recovery effort, I ask that you notify NACCTEP of the Haiti relief and recovery efforts taking place on your campus. Please send your information to NACCTEP@domail.maricopa.edu.
Thank you for all you’re doing to help the people of Haiti. Little by little, together we can all help to rebuild the nest.
Cordially,
Carole Berotte Joseph, Ph.D.
President, MassBay Community College |
