The experiences of short-term humanitarian aid workers in Haiti |
| |
| Authors: | Mary Morrison Bennett Stephanie Eberts |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Counseling, Educational Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology, Texas State University, 600 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78737, USAmm90@txstate.edu;3. Counseling, Educational Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology, Texas State University, 600 University Dr, San Marcos, TX 78737, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | A small group of humanitarian aid workers travelled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti six months after the 2010 earthquake to assist in recovery efforts at an orphanage. This study explores the experiences of these workers and how they coped with the challenges in Port-au-Prince. Participants kept a journal to record their daily experiences. A phenomenological methodology was used to analyse the data in this study. Themes included relationships and connections, faith/perspective, care of self and others, purpose, and perspective. Researchers concluded relief workers need more preparation and support during and after humanitarian trips as experiences significantly impact workers perspective of themselves and others. |
| |
| Keywords: | relief work spirituality humanitarian aid workers self-care |
|
|
