TESTIMONIALS
“In the country, the majority of people are worried, discouraged, desperate, and this makes many people violent. Therefore, it is necessary for each person to find someone who has the skills to help those in need and listen to them, and help them discover that violence will not solve their anger.
People have no hope that they can eventually love themselves. But if they find people who can help them out of difficult situations, they will fall in love with themselves and the violence will be reduced.
As a student, after graduating, I will devote my time to working with children and youth. Because many young people are raising children and do not know how to educate them. A lot of Haitians are in similar situations and grew up in bad conditions. That is why I want to put my education in the service of those young parents and children.
We also need to think about the physical impact of the disasters. Many people With disabilities are not getting help and they died of grief. And many are traumatized, even those who have not been directly impacted, many people not living in peace, especially when they see no improvement.”
- Elussy, program student from Plaine Du Nord
First, I must say that 509 Quest is an institution that impacts the population because of what it offers. As a student in the field of psychology, I can say that the country has an emergency for mental health help. The needs are many and I summarize them as follows:
Today after more than 5 months of political instability where everyone has been traumatized, the country needs professional mental health intervention.
Some might not be aware of the fact that the country's situation puts school children in urgent need of counseling. People can't keep on living that way...always in shock.
In the end, there is a saying in the country that “it’s the spirit that leads the body”. If we understand the depth of this phrase, then we’ll understand what we cannot do well if we do not take mental care. In conclusion, mental health care is vital and urgent.
- Gabriel, mental health program student from Morne Rouge
Today we see a lot of Haitians who are depressed, worried, some of them are living meaningless lives. This disease [depression], the frustration and panic. It is crucial to have psychological help and counselors in all private and public schools because the situation of the country will have a major impact on the people. The earthquake has caused great damage, many lost their lives, their families, their assets, their jobs and are now paralyzed. A person who has been through the 2010 disaster and is now paralyzed needs help re-adapting to this new way of life. In Haiti we do not have mental health services for these people. I will use this training as a tool to help crisis survivors overcome the challenges that come with that.
-Jean Modeline, program student
As an aspiring clergy, I would like to use this education as a blessing and a compass in our society.
There is an obvious need for mental assistance in the country. Especially when it comes to depression and anxiety. Those are the biggest physical and mental impact on people in the country today.
-Ulysse Wilkintz, program student