Haiti is in the Caribbean. Haiti occupies the western one- third of the island of Hispaniola. Although there are beautiful parts of Haiti, it is the most impoverished country in western hemisphere. Where is this exotic place?

Many serious diseases are common - 13% of children die before age of 5 and 25% adults die before age of 40. Living conditions in Haiti are harsh: Most families live in small one or two bedroom homes and generally do not have electricity or running water. More than half the children do not attend school and those who do finish school, do not have a proper education because most teachers are illiterate themselves.

Unemployment is very high Economy is dependent on agriculture yet farmland is sparse Farming is labour-intensive and done without farming equipment

Haiti is a nation with strong African, French and Spanish cultural influences - evident in Haitian music and dance The most festive time in Haiti is during “Kanaval” or carnival Haitian cities are filled with music and people dancing The drum is most important Haitian instrument

Despite the challenges of life in Haiti, art and culture thrive. Music and dance help to tell the stories of the Haitian people. The Resurrection Dance Theatre of Haiti is a dance group of young men who tell their story through dance and perform across North American in hopes of raising money to support and further develop their home and community. The St. Joan of Arc community welcomes the RDTH dancers to our school on OCTOBER 28 th 2009.

HEARTS FOR HAITI Change your heart! Change your heart! Change the world! Change the world! Be the change you want to see in the world! Be the change you want to see in the world!