Friday, December 30, 2011

Tony Manshino Foundation and FPCD for Haiti Youth

Remarks by Hunter Kinkead, Director of the Tony Manshino Foundation regarding Youth Center Goal in Haiti.
 
 
"Good evening!  I'm Hunter Kinkead, director of the Tony Manshino Foundation. Its wonderful to see such beautiful faces in the room tonight! I would first like to thank the university for allowing us to be here today and I thank everyone for taking time out your busy lives to come join us. I'm grateful for all those who put this event together and for giving us the opportunity to talk about our humanitarian work however big or small it maybe. Every bit counts! With that said, it is my pleasure to inform you of our work at the Tony Manshino Foundation.
 
I get asked many questions the work we do. People ask me why is Haiti my passion? Why insist on such a mission? They say The government is corrupted what’s the point?!  And I answer Yes! we get it! We know Haiti has had a reputation for having a corrupt government but what does that have to do with the innocent adults and children? Should they be punished because of their government? Should they suffer the consequences of inequality? These are the questions I ask myself.

Visiting Haiti personally has helped me to see why there should be such a point. I’ve met the most amazing people. Intelligent, inspiring, persevering and creative. Their resilience and determination is what I admire and caused me to take action and join #Team Haiti!
The founder, Tony Manshino, of Haitian descent,  is an artist, music producer, writer, film and documentary producer, in Haiti. He discovered his passion in humanitarian work when he noticed the emphasis placed on food and medical needs. He felt compelled to take the initiative on improving the educational system in Haiti.

Tony realized the creative element in children has been neglected. So he decided to construct a school of arts where children can obtain medical treatment, a nutritious meal, while cultivating their creativity in an educational environment.
Already as a grassroots, the Tony Manshino Foundation has fundraised  up to $25,000 and sponsored our first orphanage, Melissa's Hope, located in Port au Prince, Haiti. Our program has equipped the children of Melissa's Hope with school uniforms, an educational program; we’ve employed teachers and teacher assistants! Now we're setting our goals even higher. Not only are we fundraising to build our school of arts but we've sponsored our second orphanage  Bon Samaritain located in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti. We've Teamed up with The Foundation for Post Conflict Development and Spring Break in Haiti to build a youth center that focuses on the community of Croix des Bouquets.

Our goal for the youth center is to stimulate Haiti’s economy by employing the people of Haiti and to create healthy resources for the youth to utilize such as recreational activities, art programs and limited medical care units. This meshes well with TMF's mission! Having seen the devastation in Haiti and I know many of you have seen pictures or TV documentaries I can merely share with you at a glance my experiences but i can tell you to witness first hand the deepest needs we take for granted like water and shelter I was then finally able to see the importance. Initially my imagination couldn't think that far and wide however upon arrival in Haiti I was sure to get an eye opener . Now I know a two fare metro card in New York City doesn't even equate to the daily salary of man in Haiti with a family of four. To the surprise of many the minimum wage in Haiti is currently .25 per hour. I know now a child will eat one meal to the point of regurgitation with the intention of it lasting her for the next 3days. Why are these facts important? They're important because when one person is denied their human right, all of us has been denied as well. To be denied doesn't mean we have to be tolerant. I also know that Haiti has given birth to entrepreneurs as young as eight years old. These budding leaders deserve to be challenged and welcome the challenge as well. They look forward to bright futures and dreams of living their fullest potential. I know that they still have faith despite the odds set before them. TMF is a foundation that encourages the youth by creating leaders for Haiti’s tomorrow and we’re looking for partners to join us on that mission. To invest their time, energy, resources and ideas. To donate to the Tony Manshino Foundation  or to learn more about our programs feel free to email me at hunterkinkead@gmail.com  or call 917.202.0716"


FPCD working with Spring Break Haiti for Creation of Youth Center

 
FPCD and Spring Break Haiti Team up for Youth
 
 
SPRING BREAK IN HAITI is a phenomenon designed to cater to patrons and university students across the globe as they embark upon this purified, peaceful, and spiritual adventure into the legendary Caribbean island during their spring semester recess.
 
SPRING BREAK IN HAITI
is a 501 c(3) not-for-profit organization, organized exclusively for cultural and educational purposes.

MISSION
Spring Break In Haiti founded by the young, entrepreneurial leaders of the New York City, Harlem Haitian-American community and alumni of the CUNY and SUNY educational system, promotes Haiti as a major tourism destination for the 21st century.

The purpose of Spring Break In Haiti is to provide participants with the opportunity to give back and become knowledgeable of the many facets of the Haitian culture in the process.

It is an opportunity for those who are looking to spend their spring break vacation doing something meaningful, educational and enjoyable! Spring Break in Haiti is open to all walks of life, families, humanitarians, professionals, students and all friends of Haiti.
Spring Break In Haiti’s Innovative focus allows an appealing form of education, and exposing of ample opportunities for international collaboration opportunities!!!
The creation of this great phenomenon has a three-fold objective :
1. To “bridge the gap” between Haiti’s past and present, by fostering an understanding of the nation’s history and environment. Curators shall teach participants the important features of historical leaders and landmarks. Academic credit may be available to patrons of the full package.
2. To promote and stimulate tourism in Haiti by highlighting its beauty, sounds, hospitality, affordability and convenience to the western hemisphere. The nation will become renowned as a premiere destination of the Greater Antilles and considered a global must-see.
3. To make Haitians and friends of Haiti feel part of the movement SBIH started in New York City and Port-au-Prince; blending history, education and entertainment. Students will interact with the community on every level, gaining the spiritual, social and professional connections that make SPRING BREAK IN HAITI a transformational experience.
 
OR
 
Spring Break In Haiti™ was started in 2006 after a group of young Haitian-American college students from New York City and Alumni of CUNY and SUNY decided to embrace their parents' homeland.
Realizing that they have fun in the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Mexico and South Beach, Florida on their breaks, it started the curiosity to know what their parents' homeland was like despite the negative images and stereotypes.
After the first initial trip, the concept was basically to establish Haiti as a future destination hot spot of the 21st century for future spring breakers.
SBIH™ was developed as an introduction to Haiti, there is “Summer In Ayiti” and “HaitiXperience" in the Fall/ Winter, other themes throughout the year to continue to promote tourism as a year round industry in Haiti.

A New Take on Spring Break

Spring Break is a very popular term amongst young Americans, and adding Haiti to it to gave participants a unique travel experience unlike the typical Spring Break routines.
SBIH gives patrons the opportunity to discover the beauty of the island, the customs and culture and participate in some humanitarian services if they wish to do so. In essence, “partying with a purpose,” is one of the slogans.
Tourism is key to Haiti’s reconstruction. It allows the Haitian diaspora and friends of Haiti the opportunity to embrace and invest in this uncharted territory.
Tourism also provides local and small businesses in Haiti the opportunity to grow as foreign dollars are being spent in the country. It affects the economy greatly and in a positive way, therefore building the worth of the Ayiti.
Artists, small shop owners, marchands are able to reap the benefits of tourists shopping in Haiti/

Changing Social Conditions Effecting?

There are positive social effects. Tourism allows a solidarity to be built with local Haitians and participants who are curious about Haitian culture. Everything that happens in Haiti directly and indirectly affects the Haitian communities in the U.S.
It gives Haiti an opportunity to eradicate the negative stigmas and stereotypes that have tarnished the image of the country. Most importantly, Haitians benefit here in the U.S because they can feel proud to promote the beauty of Haiti.
With an ear to on social events, there is always some fine tuning being done to make the concept more interesting but the concept will remain the same, catering to all, individuals, couples, families and lovers of the tropical island.
SBIH prides itself on giving the traveler the options to do what they would like to in Haiti, whether it be humanitarian work, looking for a piece of mind, eco-tourism, enjoying excursions, historical and moral tours, journalistic research, family reunions, events and concerts and more.

Joining in for the group trip

There are all inclusive packages through winter, fall, and summer which cover room and board, airflight, ground transportation, meals, excursions, and tours.
All packages are catered to the individual or group depending on what a traveler wants to do in Haiti.
The itinerary consists of work and play. If one decides to go, an itinerary/package can be custom designed for their interests.
It is absolutely possible to have fun in Haiti and it exists in the country already. It is one of the places that those who know, know. "What happens in Haiti, stays in Haiti" There is a diversity of culture that Haiti has to offer such as the Karnival in the beginning months of the year and the jazz festival nearing the end. Whatever the travel wants, it's here.

More information here:  http://springbreakinhaiti.com/