Seeing Haiti：Beyond the Pain and Struggle

Sep 26th，2025

Every Sunday, our Voice Linking club gathers to exchange ideas on meaningful global topics — ones that educate, engage, and inspire reflection. This week’s discussion focused on Haiti, a nation often spoken about for its struggles but rarely for its resilience and rich culture.

Members took turns presenting different aspects of the country. We began with introductions to Haiti’s geography, learning how its location in the Caribbean has shaped both its opportunities and challenges. Others highlighted Haiti’s vibrant food, music, and traditions, which reflect centuries of creativity and strength. 

The historical portion explored Haiti’s fight for independence, making it the first Black republic and the first nation to free itself from slavery — a monumental achievement in world history.

Onsite record of Haiti seminar

The most powerful part of our discussion, however, centered on Haiti’s current crisis with gang violence. We examined how corruption, political instability, and deep-rooted inequality have fueled this violence and contributed to widespread poverty. Members shared thoughts on how history, foreign influence, and lack of infrastructure have all played roles in the country’s ongoing struggles.

By the end of the meeting, we weren’t just more informed about Haiti — we were more aware of the importance of understanding context, not just headlines. Our discussion reminded us that every statistic hides a story, and every country deserves to be seen for both its pain and its perseverance.

English Author: Mona Liu；Video editor：Wenqi Xiao

Author Bio：

Mona is an G9 student in Ontario who enjoys playing tennis and has been studying the Zither for many years. She actively participates in various community and club activities, including fundraising performances and other volunteer initiatives.