STATE COLLEGE, PA – It has been over four years since Grammy winner Wyclef Jean declared that “Haiti is in the hands of the students” at the 6th Annual National Haitian Student Conference.
This sentiment gave birth to the National Haitian Student Alliance, which is a non-profit organization comprised of 48 local Haitian Student Association from 15 different states.
NHSA has proudly selected its Pennsylvania Chapter (PHSA) to host the 10th Annual National Haitian Student Conference.
The 10th Annual Conference will occur from March 2nd-4th. “NHSA and PHSA are proud to hold this event at Penn State University. We’re hopeful that conference attendees will leave educated, elevated and empowered to make a difference,” said Conference Chair Dafney Tales.
The title of this year’s conference is “The Haitian Renaissance: Where we come from, Where we are, Where we’re going.” The mission of this gathering is to engage approximately 1,000 students, in a dialogue that will promote community building and activism through intense development of health, financial, social and leadership skills.
NHSA and PHSA also seek to cultivate young women of color into leaders by providing culturally appropriate role models and an array of interactive workshops. “By breaking barriers that prevent the solid and consistent flow of communication among our youth, we will address barriers that prevent college students from being healthy and productive citizens” said Yve-Car Momperousse, Co-Founder and Director for the National Haitian Student Alliance.
By popular demand, the festivities will commence with the inaugural of Haitian Idol, a showcase of rare talent within the Haitian community. On Saturday, attendees will be offered fifteen interactive workshops on Finances, Health, Minority Women and Afro-Haitian culture.
After an educational day of networking and learning, participants will choose from recreational activities such as ice skating, a basketball tournament, Haitian movie or spa-like reception for the ladies. An elegant all white banquet catered by the Penn Stater Conference Center, featuring a Cultural expose and an authentic Haitian band will follow the recreational activities.
The last day of the conference, traditionally known as “Patriotic Sunday”, will give students a chance to question Haitian officials about the current state of Haiti, find out information about NHSA’s spring break trip to Haiti with Bourgeoisie Inc. and make a financial contribution to NHSA’s scholarship and other programs.
