Travel to Haiti
Do I need a passport and visa to travel to Haiti?
Yes, a passport is required but a Visa is not.
What immunizations, if any, are required to enter Haiti?
No immunizations are required, but it is highly suggested that you consult with your doctor before travelling to Haiti.
Would it be better and more cost effective to just send the money that would be spent to send a volunteer?
The extra love and attention volunteers provide to the Foyer de Sion children is invaluable. With limited resources, it is difficult to give all of the children one-on-one attention and volunteers have time to give attention the children crave.
Also, the donations (diapers, clothing, formula, medical supplies) the volunteers take with them to Haiti are very valuable. Anything that can be brought into Haiti and donated to Foyer de Sion means one less item that has to be bought in Haiti where the inflation is soaring.
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
There are three different types of volunteer trips:
1. Orphanage trips—helping in the orphanages by working and playing with the children
2. Building trips—helping construct the new orphanage
3. Sponsorship/educational trips—helping in the schools and surrounding communities of those schools sponsored by SionFonds
How frequently do you plan volunteer trips?
We tentatively plan volunteer trips at least once every six months.
Why do you insist that all volunteers travel to Haiti together?
We require this for ease of transportation and safety reasons.
What is the average cost of participating in a volunteer trip?
The average cost is between $1500 and $2,000 per person.
What is the duration of the volunteer trips?
Volunteer trips ast anywhere from 3-10 days in length.
What should I bring to entertain the kids?
Haitian children like to look at pictures, especially of themselves. The girls like to do hair and love beads and other items from volunteers that they can use in their hair. In fact, if you bring beads or crafting things they will use them in their hair. The children seem to like Creole/English picture dictionaries also.
The children probably won't be as interested in books, games and crafts as American children would be. They are worth bringing though.
Will there be a translator?
Not with the children, but there will most likely be at least one person with our group that can speak both Creole and English. You will have to come up with other ways of communication for example, music, gestures, and singing.
Will there be any planned outings or will we be at the orphanage the whole time?
Depending on the availability of transportation there may be opportunities to visit the beach, go shopping and other excursions.
When (and to whom) do I submit my necessary liability forms?
The trip leader will set the due date for submission of the forms.
Your generous contributions help provide food, clothing, health care, education, donation shipping, all nurturing needs for the children and the building of the new Foyer de Sion orphanage. Click on the links below for more information about donating to Foyer de Sion.
