Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council

Call for the Creation of a

Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council

“Young leaders in every country represent their country with the uttermost passion and pride. More than ever, in this globalized era, we need Young Haitian Ambassadors to promote the Haitian Dream—a dream that promotes opportunity, economic sustainability, and prosperity in Haiti.”

- Steeve, 20 years old.

Since Haiti took its independence in 1804, the views and perspectives of the youth have been absent in the policy making process. Young Haitians both in Haiti and abroad have lacked the ultimate belief that they can unify as one to bring change and reforms in their beloved ‘Darling Haiti’. The genuine alliance of young Haitians is critical if we, as a nation, are to insure the effectiveness of our Haitian Dream which promotes opportunity, economic sustainability, and prosperity. Therefore, we the undersigned, call for the creation of a Youth Haitian Ambassadors  Council to provide the national government with unique insights and recommendations from young people regarding the policy issues that impact our nation’s millions of young Haitians both in Haiti and abroad.

Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council is an assembly constituted of nominated young Haitians to represent the voice and the interest of the Haitian youth both in Haiti and abroad. 

Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council

The Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council would consist of young people selected  from across the country and abroad to:

●       Advise the President, the Prime Minister, the heads of National ministries and  agencies providing  youth services, Members of Congress, and senior National Government officials and proposed and pending legislation, budget expenditures, and other policy matters with respect to youth, particularly disadvantaged youth

●       Gather the views and perspectives of young people across the country

●       Develop a highly competitive educational program to assist unique and selected young Haitian Leaders & Scholars to  advance their training  to better serve Haiti

Structure

The Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council would:

●       Work closely with the Executive Office of the President

●       Work closely with the Haitian Embassies

●       Work closely with the ‘Office of Liaison of the Presidency with the Diaspora’

●       Consist of 30 young people serving three year terms

●       Meet in person not fewer than 4 times each year, and online and via phone not fewer than  8 times each year

●       Select youth ambassadors based on demonstrated competence in public service and  intellectual capacity that can unify Haitians to promote opportunity, economic sustainability, and prosperity in Haiti

Purpose, Mission, and Vision

Our Purpose

We unite young  Haitian  leaders and scholars both in Haiti and abroad to work together for a common purpose to promote the Haitian Dream by increasing opportunity, economic sustainability, and prosperity in  Haiti.

Our Mission

We seek to promote the Haitian Dream to restore the confidence of young Haitians that they all need to work together to guarantee a brighter sustainable future for Haiti for the coming generations.

Our Vision

We want to see a Haiti where every young person has the opportunity to have access to his Haitian Dream and be able to stay in Haiti to contribute to a greater prosperity of the country.

Core Values and Social DNA

Who We Are For: We are young Haitian leaders and scholars who want to expand  our potential as human beings, who want to leave a positive legacy in Haiti, who seek to channel our youth spirit into actions by  creating a national agenda for  reinvigorating the Haitian Dream.

What We Do: We bring innovative public policy recommendation that aims to  promote the voice and the interest of the young people in the national government.

Why We Do It: We believe that nourishing young Haitian leaders and scholars from all disciplines of life will elevate Haitians’ consciousness and create a future rooted in liberty, equality, and fraternity for all. 

How We Do It: We discover and select those with unique and elite aspirations who are committed to serve and to provide opportunities for all Haitians.

For More Information, Please Contact

Steeve Simbert

Email: steevesimbert@gmail.com                                                               

Phone: (786) 370-4444

Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens

Appel à la Création d'un

Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens

“Des jeunes leaders à travers le monde représentent leur pays avec une passion et une fierté extrême. Plus que jamais, en cette ère de la mondialisation, nous avons besoin des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens pour promouvoir le Rêve Haïtien -- un rêve qui promeut l'opportunité, la durabilité économique et la prospérité en Haïti.”

- Steeve, 20 ans.

Depuis l’indépendance d’Haïti en 1804, la jeunesse n’a jamais eu l’occasion de présenter ses visions et ses perspectives dans le processus de décision politique en Haïti. Les jeunes Haïtiens, tant en Haïti qu'à l'étranger, ont manqué de l’ultime conviction qu'ils peuvent s’unifier pour apporter des changements et des réformes dans leur bien-aimée  ‘Haïti Chérie’. Une véritable alliance entre les jeunes Haïtiens est essentielle de nos jours si nous, en tant que nation, voudrons assurer l'efficacité d’un rêve haïtien qui promeut l'opportunité, la durabilité économique et la prospérité. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, appelons à la création d'un Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens dans le but de fournir au gouvernement national des aperçus uniques et des recommandations sur les questions politiques qui ont un impact direct sur les millions de jeunes Haïtiens vivant en Haïti ainsi qu'à l'étranger.

Le Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens est une assemblée constituée de jeunes ambassadeurs désignés pour représenter la voix et les intérêts de la jeunesse haïtienne en Haïti et à l'étranger.

Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens

Le Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens sera composé de jeunes gens sélectionnés à travers le pays et à l’étranger pour :

·         Conseiller le Président, l’équipe ministérielle, les organismes nationaux fournissant des services à la jeunesse, les membres du Parlement et les hauts fonctionnaires du Gouvernement et proposer des directives aux dépenses budgétaires et aux autres questions politiques à l'égard de la jeunesse et particulièrement des jeunes défavorisés en attendant la législation

·         Recueillir les opinions et les perspectives des jeunes à travers le pays

·         Développer un programme éducatif hautement compétitif pour aider les jeunes leaders haïtiens sélectionnés à poursuivre leur formation afin de mieux servir Haïti

Structure

Le Conseil des Jeunes Ambassadeurs Haïtiens :

·         S’établira dans le Bureau Exécutif du Président

·         Travaillera en étroite collaboration avec les Ambassades haïtiennes

·         Travaillera en étroite collaboration avec le “Bureau de liaison de la Présidence avec la Diaspora”

·         Se composera de 30 jeunes ayant un mandat de trois ans

·         Se réunira physiquement au moins 4 fois par an, et en ligne ou par téléphone au moins 8 fois par an

·         Sélectionnera les ambassadeurs en se basant sur leur compétence démontrée dans le service public et leur capacité intellectuelle à unifier les Haïtiens et à promouvoir l'opportunité, la durabilité économique et la prospérité en Haïti

But, Mission, et Vision

Notre But

Nous nous unissons, jeunes leaders haïtiens vivant en Haïti et à l'étranger, pour travailler ensemble dans le but commun de promouvoir le rêve haïtien en augmentant l’opportunité, la durabilité économique et la prospérité en Haïti.

Notre Mission

Nous cherchons à promouvoir le rêve haïtien pour faire croire aux jeunes Haïtiens qu'ils doivent tous travailler ensemble pour garantir un avenir meilleur pour les générations à venir.

Notre Vision

Nous voulons voir une Haïti où chaque jeune ait accès à son Rêve Haïtien et soit capable de rester en Haïti pour contribuer à une plus grande prospérité dans le pays.

Valeurs Fondamentales et ADN Sociale

Qui sommes-nous: Nous sommes des jeunes leaders haïtiens qui voulons élargir notre potentiel en tant qu'êtres humains, qui veulent laisser un héritage positif en Haïti, qui cherchent à canaliser notre esprit de jeunes dans des actions en créant un programme national pour relancer le Rêve Haïtien.

Ce que nous faisons: En matière de politiques publiques, nous apportons des recommandations innovantes qui visent à promouvoir la voix et l'intérêt des jeunes au gouvernement.

Pourquoi nous le faisons: Nous croyons que préparer de jeunes leaders haïtiens dans toutes les disciplines de la vie élèvera la conscience haïtienne et créera un avenir ancré dans la liberté, l’égalité, et la fraternité pour tous.

Comment nous le faisons: Nous découvrons et sélectionnons ceux qui ont des aspirations remarquables et qui se sont engagés à servir et à offrir des opportunités pour tous les Haïtiens.

Pour plus d'information, s'il vous plaît contacter

Steeve Simbert

Courriel: steevesimbert@gmail.com

Téléphone: (786) 370-4444

Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití

Convocatoria para la creación de un

Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití

“Jóvenes líderes de todos los países, representar a su país con la pasión y orgullo extremo.  Más que nunca, en esta era de la globalización, necesitamos Jóvenes embajadores de Haití para promover el Sueño Haitiano—un sueño que promueve las oportunidades, la sostenibilidad económica y la prosperidad en Haití.”

- Steeve, 20 años.

Desde la independencia de Haití en 1804, las opiniones y perspectivas de los jóvenes han estado ausentes en la elaboración de políticas. Jóvenes haitianos, tanto en Haití como en el  extranjero no han tenido la creencia definitiva de que se pueden unificar en sí mismo para lograr el cambio y la reforma de sus seres ‘Querido de Haití’. La alianza autentica de jóvenes haitianos es fundamental, si queremos como nación asegurar la eficacia de nuestro sueño de Haití, que promueva las oportunidades, la sostenibilidad económica y la prosperidad. Por lo tanto, los dependientes, pedimos la creación de un Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití para proveer al gobierno nacional  una visión única y las recomendaciones de los jóvenes en relación a las cuestiones de política que afectan a millones de personas de nuestra nación de jóvenes haitianos, tanto en Haití como en el extranjero.

El Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití es una asamblea constituida por los Jóvenes Embajadores nombrados para representar la voz y los intereses de la juventud haitiana, tanto en Haití como en el extranjero. 

Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití

El Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití estaría integrado por jóvenes seleccionados de todo el país y el extranjero para:

●       Asesorar al Presidente, el Primer Ministro, los jefes de los Ministerios Nacionales y Organismos que prestan servicios a la juventud, los miembros del Congreso y altos funcionarios del Gobierno Nacional y la legislación propuesta y en espera, los gastos del presupuesto y otros asuntos de política con respecto a los jóvenes, particularmente los jóvenes desfavorecidos

●       Recoger las opiniones y perspectivas de jóvenes de todo el país.

●       Desarrollar un programa educativo altamente competitivo para ayudar a los jóvenes líderes de Haití y académicos para avanzar en su capacitación para servir mejor a Haití

La Estructura

El Consejo de Jóvenes Embajadores de Haití:

●       Trabajará  en coordinación de la Oficina Ejecutiva del Presidente

●       Trabajará en estrecha colaboración con la Embajadas de Haití

●       Trabajará en estrecha colaboración con la 'Oficina de Enlace de la Presidencia con la diáspora

●       Se constituirá por 30 jóvenes que sirvan en términos de tres años

●       Se reunirán en persona, no menos de 4 veces al año, y en línea y por teléfono no menos de 8 veces al año

●       Seleccionara embajadores de la juventud, basado en la competencia demostrada en el servicio público y la capacidad intelectual, que puedan unificar a los haitianos a promover las oportunidades, la sostenibilidad económica y la prosperidad en Haití

Propósito, Misión y Visión de

Nuestro Propósito

Unir a los jóvenes líderes haitianos y académicos, tanto en Haití como en el extranjero para trabajar juntos para un propósito común de promover el sueño de Haití por aumentar las oportunidades, la sostenibilidad económica y la prosperidad en Haití.

Nuestra Misión

Buscamos promover el sueño de Haití para restaurar la confianza de los jóvenes haitianos que todos deben trabajar juntos para garantizar un mejor futuro sostenible para Haití para las generaciones venideras.

Nuestro Visión

Queremos ver a una Haití, donde cada joven tenga la oportunidad de tener acceso a su sueño  Haitiano y ser capaz de permanecer en Haití para contribuir a una mayor prosperidad del país.

Valores Sociales y el ADN  

 Quien Somos: Somos jóvenes líderes haitianos y académicos que queremos expandir nuestro potencial como seres humanos, que queremos dejar un legado positivo en Haití, que buscams canalizar el espíritu juvenil en acciones mediante la creación de una agenda nacional para la revitalización del Sueño Haitiano.

Que Hacemos: Traemos recomendación innovadoras de políticas públicas que tiene como objetivo promover la voz de los jóvenes y el interés de los jóvenes en el gobierno nacional.

Por qué lo Hacemos: Creemos que con nutrir a los jóvenes líderes haitianos y académicos de todas las disciplinas de la vida, se elevará la conciencia de los haitianos y crearemos un futuro enraizado en la libertad, igualdad y fraternidad para todos. 

Cómo lo Hacemos: Descubriremos y seleccionaremos aquellos con aspiraciones únicas y de élite que se han comprometido a servir y dar oportunidades a todos los haitianos.

Para más información, comuníquense con

Steeve Simbert

Email: steevesimbert@gmail.com                                                               

Teléfono: (786) 370-4444

The Loving Beauty of Questioning one’s Soul during the Christmas Holiday

Volunteering in Haiti

The prominent president of the United States, John Adams, once said: “If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind, whom should we serve?” As I wholeheartedly believe in the notion of serving others, during the Christmas holiday, I will embark my soul on a journey that is greater than myself. I will connect with my spirit to question [this City] or what is referred to in Greek as this [Polis]. As a budding philosopher, Socrates resonates into my soul 24/7 as he criticized any mediocre mentality when eloquently articulated: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” We therefore, as the outstanding Dr. Cornel West once said: “need to think critically for ourselves in finding our own voice and affirm our own individuality.”

I am still in the verge of struggling in finding my true mission of living, my ultimate calling in life, and what specifically I need to do to fulfill my destiny; I usually ask myself: “What is my purpose in life?” I am more than warmly open to listen to other people’s understanding of their own fate. I find it quite fascinating to listen to them sharing enthusiastically their mission in life with me. I find that there are some incredible people on this planet that truly care and that dedicate their lives to live the legacy of Gandhi “to be the change they want to see in the world.” I want to be one of these people. I don’t want to go through life and simply waste my time on earth. Before I die I want to make sure that I have contributed to something significant. I don’t want to die and stay in the cemetery regretting everything that I have done. What! No! No! No! I want to be happy to die because before I die, “I will live to the fullest, and I will die empty.”

I feel humbled and blessed to have empowering friends all around the world that feel the same way as I do. It is our time now! This critical period in history needs our contribution. I don’t know about you? But, I am planning to go to Haiti this Christmas Holiday to do everything in my power to create the “Youth Haitian Ambassadors Council” to directly represent the voice and the interest of young Haitians both in Haiti and abroad. I am very global. I am a determinant of the entire human race. In the same way, a man of common sense, a man with good judgment, and values should give more attention and time to serve the underprivileged people. In that sense, I shall do my part. Then, I could die empty. And, I’ll be happy to, because I know that I’ve tried. And, that is all living is about: to be fulfilled in this little bit of time we have, while breathing the good fresh air on planet earth.

STU STUDENT NOMINATED AS A 2011 OPPORTUNITY NATION SCHOLAR

Steeve Simbert with Dr. Cornel West, our nation’s leading intellectual

Steeve Simbert, a sophomore at St. Thomas University (STU) double majoring in Political Science and Global Leadership & Philosophy has been chosen as a one of 100 national leaders from 44 states in the District of Columbia for Opportunity Nation. Opportunity Nation is a national campaign that will work to restore access to the American Dream by increasing economic opportunity and social mobility in America. Opportunity Nation includes over 200 non-profits, grassroots organizations, social entrepreneurs, celebrities, elected officials, and thought leaders who are working together to create a bipartisan agenda for reinvigorating the American dream on the national, state, and local community agendas. The campaign was launched on November 4th with a national Summit cosponsored by AARP, AARP Foundation, Ford Foundation, TIME Magazine, and United Way Worldwide

Steeve says: “More than ever, it is time for all of us across the country to join together to create a bipartisan campaign to guarantee our American Dream. We desperately need to promote opportunity especially in this crucial time in our nation’s history. None of us should die in the zip code that we were born. We must seize this moment to prepare future generations for success.”

Steeve will serve as part of the Opportunity Nation Leaders and Scholars Program, a national network of experts with personal experience facing barriers to opportunity and a track record of making meaningful change in their respective communities. Opportunity Leaders and Scholars will act as community mobilizers and lend their insight to campaign policy ideas. They will be essential voices in galvanizing support across the country and making a tangible difference in their communities in 2012.

Steeve says: “We have started working on new public policy with our bipartisan partners to create equal opportunity in our nation once again and to restore the belief that the American Dream can still be achieve. In the presidential election that is coming up, it is very important for us to ask our public officials “here’s our plan for opportunity. What’s yours?”

IN CRISIS IS CLEVERNESS BORN

By Steeve Simbert

 Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Immediately After Earthquake

“In crisis is cleverness born” is a Chinese proverb that has played a significant role in my life. My life has been variable over the past few years, mainly because of natural disasters, economic difficulties, and parental circumstances. Unfortunately, I was in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, when one of the most deadly earthquakes in history occurred.

On January 11, 2010, the benevolent American writer, David Baron, came to my school in Haiti, New American School (NAS), and agreed to tutor me. The following day we were to meet at Villa Manrèse, a religious facility erected by the Canadians. After writing an essay based on the proverb, “In crisis is cleverness born”, during my tutoring session, David and I were violently thrown on the ground when the earthquake began to shake the building that we were in. I simply thought it was a dream, maybe some kind of horror movie, even more terrifying, the apocalypse. I wanted to say farewell to David as we were embracing each other tightly on the floor of the trembling building. Suddenly, everything was cracking and breaking down. Dust everywhere erupted into a cloud that dispersed throughout Port-au-Prince. From that moment, I knew I had a greater responsibility in life than ever before. At first, I was as weak as a newborn baby – scared, trembling like a poor mouse waiting to be devoured by a cat. Then, miraculously, I received the Herculean strength of the well-known biblical figure, Samson. I became strong-willed enough to watch over my friend, David.

This experience has shown me that in crisis – because of cleverness – devotion, sacrifice, and even some kind of supernatural force are automatically integrated into the human personality. For some reason, the heroic notion cemented into my brain was to get David safely out of the tragedy by whatever means necessary. I was in a situation in which I could not give up; I was terrified for the safety of my family and friends but I knew I simply had to keep on going. I bravely stoop up and helped David get back on his feet. The intensity of the fall left some blood on his chin and the tragic incident left him with some unpleasant aches. I began to worry about his health, and all kinds of thoughts occurred in my mind in a fraction of a second. I realized his glasses had fallen on the ground, so I put them in my pocket and guided him to the open street.

The first floor of the four-story building we were in lay in pieces. As we were located on the terrace of the second floor, it was easier for us to simply jump out. We went in the streets, which were safer for the time being, yet all kinds of human suffering were taking place right before my eyes. Much anguish lay all around me. “What horrible offenses could Haitians have committed to deserve such a pernicious punishment?” I thought. Mothers, fathers, sons, infants, youths, adults, seniors – regardless of one's rank, class, or type, if it was not for luck and destiny, one would have been killed immediately by the earthquake. As we stood watching, almost everyone was covered with dust; many were trying to rescue others in need; some were running up and down the street carrying dead and injured people. People everywhere were bleeding. Others were yelling, crying and praying as they were going insane while looking desperately for their missing relatives.

To prevent more sorrow, I went to the backyard of Villa Manrèse with David. Throughout the entire night, we experienced aftershocks, which were torture for Haitians because they were under the impression that a similar tremor might happen again. I then was uneasy because I didn't receive any kind of information regarding my family's safety. I asked everybody if I could make a phone call, but they kept on saying that the signal couldn't get through. At about midnight, there was a signal. I called my twin brother, Ally. I fearfully asked him, “Are you okay? Is everybody okay?” It felt so good when he told me, “I'm okay, everybody is okay. It's just that we were worrying about the family's safety and yours. Now that we know you are safe, I can say thanks to the Lord.” I told him in Creole, “Brother, call mom and tell her and everybody that cares about me that I am doing fine. I cannot come soon because I have to take care of someone who needs my help very much.”

Early the next morning, I went around the neighborhood asking for blood pressure pills which David needed very badly. Fortunately, I found enough pills to last for several days. I then became like a mendicant, asking everybody for food and all kinds of ingredients necessary for our well-being, and then I shared them with David. Ironically, we always obeyed our motto, which was: “It's simple; eat whatever we have in case we don't have for tomorrow.” I made sure my new friend was safe and was feeling comfortable all the time; whenever he had some worries I took care of them by assuring him, “there is a solution to every problem.” I went into the streets with hope and determination to find a way to contact David's relatives who reside in the States to tell them he was alive. Finally, I reached his brother, who was very happy and relieved when I told him that David was safe.

The next day, having no choice, I went into the collapsed building to try and get David's belongings. I had never been so scared in my entire life. I entered his bedroom, trembling from head to toe. Finally, I could not resist anymore and ran out of the building. I attempted once again, this time with the help of some friends. Secretly, we sent a courageous young man inside the barricaded building to retrieve David's belongings, and he succeeded. On Sunday, other friends and I accompanied David to the American Embassy. The others had to leave and left me standing in line with him. We waited for hours. David, unsuccessfully, tried to help me go with him to the USA. The Embassy lady said that only Americans could leave. Even though there were a number of prominent instances in which I demonstrated incomparable bravery, when my friend left me in this desperate world on my own, I cried. I cried like a baby for hours on my way home. I felt vulnerable to the chaos surrounding me. When David left, if felt as if my sanity left with him.

Now that I have arrived safely back to Miami, I remember the times David and I were conversing each night for hours about history, literature, societies, philosophy, and our unfortunate past experiences while sleeping outside and admiring the stars shining in the sky. That was beautiful. I remember the countless times I said to my friend, “I love everything that has happened to me”. For some mysterious reason, human beings are apparently bound to demonstrate extraordinary courage in times of crisis. The Chinese proverb, “In crisis is cleverness born”, to which I was writing a response when practicing for the SAT essay a few minutes before the earthquake, has once again shown its veracity. Cleverness has guided my conscience into doing the right things. It has led me to realize that in times of crisis one has to be optimistic and perform heroic actions. And I have learned that the Good Lord will reward that person millions of times more. I have already started to be rewarded.

The Pursuit of a Better Life

By Steeve Simbert

Past

In 1682, during the reign of Louis XIV of France, Madame Bourgette gave birth to five little children, five innocent souls whom the impostor doctor called ‘five little monsters’. It was for the first time in history that someone who was enduring so much misery had the audacity to be pregnant and carry five misfortunes in her stomach. Madame Bourgette, a beautiful young woman once, became transfigured by the hardships of life, became more like an eighty-two year old grandma while she was only in her thirties.  Life was cruel. Life was even worse than the 1930’s Great Depression in this poor suburb of France. If the condition of living was so barbaric, how could someone as ill-fated as Madame Bourgette have dared to produce five of these little creatures? How had she dared to give birth to these five sensitive souls who would endure the dreadful state of living?

The answer is that she didn’t want to. Three days before she got pregnant, she swore to death and to the gods of Athens that she would live a life of celibacy. She even had the audacity to climb to the top of a mountain to swear so she could feel closer to the gods. Her words as she swore were: “In the name of the gods of Athens and the gods of gods, I will devote my precious virginity and never share it with anyone until my last breath on planet earth.” Despite her tenacity in carrying out her vow to the gods, she managed to wander around the village as proud as a lioness behaving as a celibate. Unfortunately, in exactly three days, three hours, and three minutes, she was dishonored by three vagabonds that asked her for thirty-three cents or to kindly donate her virginity. She refused to donate the thirty-three cents. She said she didn’t have any. Oh heaven! How could someone as hopeless as Madame Bourgette possibly have thirty-three cents? Madame Bourgette herself had not eaten for seven days. Where on earth would she possibly have such a fortune to give to three gangsters that had just escaped the prison La Bastille? She calmly approached the three vagrants, and slapped each one of them on their cheeks like a perfectly well-measured punch. Fortunately or unfortunately, each of the vagrants lost two teeth at once. Out of despair, the three escapees took Madame Bourgette’s celibacy. Oh sky of heaven! Madame Borgette gave one cacophonous yell that could be heard in the entire impoverished town while losing her heavenly virginity to these wicked animals.

Reflection

This was Madame Bourgette’s earliest sad story. Many of us face some of the most pressing hardships in life. Sometimes we even question existence itself. Sometimes we cannot even understand our purpose for living. At other times, we beg God to take our lives. These same hardships have existed since the world was created. Many of us might even face a similar scenario as Madame Bourgette’s. Other people have it easier. At the same time, others face even worse predicament than Madame Bourgette’s. Despite any destitution we have faced in the past, this does not define who we are. We are greater than our minds could even determine. We have this extraordinary power inside of us. We simply have to harness the strength that exists in us, and transform any adversity into success. Many of you might wonder how someone like Madame Bourgette could manage to live. Madame Bourgette understood that at certain times in life, we need to consider the possibility of our own downfall. But that does not determine that this is us nor that this will be our future. We simply have to learn from our crisis, and become powerful enough to resist anything that we might face in life. We are bound to overcome any suffering. It is not about how many times we take the punches of life, but how many times we can take a blow, get back up, and keep moving forward. In this life, there will be moments in which we will be completely lost and in despair. But the reality is, will we be able to handle our present obstacles, and overcome them at a certain point?

Future

Madame Bourgette understood that the past was not her concern. The only way she was able to overcome this outrageous obstacle was to live and wish for a life of only greatness. After this terrible event happened to her, she was determined that she now had a greater purpose in life. She was resolved that she would give her life to guarantee the well-being of her five little children. In life, many of us do not have a purpose; this is why we are so confused about life. Madame Bourgette took her five little children and decided to do whatever it took to give them a better life than she had had. She was living to the fullest every day because she understood it was only that way that she would be able to accomplish her dreams—to provide care for her children. In life, when we demonstrate incomparable bravery in times of crisis, good things will happen to us. The good Lord will take care of us. Madame Bourgette miraculously was accepted to the convent.  The priest who was in charge decided to support Madame Bourgette in order to provide an education for her children. Madame Bourgette, someone who was deprived in her life, was now for the first time happy as she was watching her children grow. There is truly some mystery in life. Everything happens for a reason. These five little children who happened to come unexpectedly inside Madame Bourgette were now her reason for living. As she grew older, all of her children became very successful. In her late days, her children were the ones that took care of her. As they were all living in the spirit of brotherhood, they all moved to a new castle in which they were living with their mother, family, and grand-children. Sometimes for those of us who are questioning our lives, we never know what the future may entail for us. My advice for you today is: “Live your life to the fullest despite any hardships that you will face in life, and it will all be worth it one day.”

Please visit Steeve’s with Fellow Clinton Global Initiative students’ blog: http://reenvision.tumblr.com/

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   
October 20, 2011
CONTACT:               
Christopher Cashman, Opportunity Nation, 202-262-6249

STEEVE SIMBERT TO SERVE AS ADVISOR FOR OPPORTUNITY NATION, A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL MOBILITY IN AMERICA

Opportunity Nation includes over 150 non-profits, grassroots organizations, social entrepreneurs, celebrities, elected officials, and thought leaders who are working together to create a bipartisan agenda for reinvigorating the American dream

Steeve Simbert has been chosen to serve as a one of 100 national leaders from 44 states and the District of Columbia for Opportunity Nation, a national campaign launching in November that will work to restore access to the American Dream by increasing economic opportunity and social mobility in America. Steeve was selected to serve on this distinguished panel because of his excellent leadership as a student at St. Thomas University.  
Opportunity Nation has formed a powerful, bipartisan coalition of non-profits, foundations, educators, business and political leaders who are working together to put promoting opportunity and social mobility back on the national, state and local community agendas.  The campaign will launch on November 4th with a national Summit cosponsored by AARP, AARP Foundation, Ford Foundation, TIME Magazine, and United Way Worldwide.  Details on the Summit are below.
Steeve will serve as part of the Opportunity Nation Leaders and Scholars Program, a national network of experts with personal experience facing barriers to opportunity and a track record of making meaningful change in their respective communities.  Acting as community mobilizers and lending their insight to campaign policy ideas. Opportunity Leaders and Scholars will be essential voices in galvanizing support across the country and making a tangible difference in their communities in 2012.
WHO:
Confirmed speakers include: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; President of Catholic Charities Father Larry Snyder; Jo Ann Jenkins, President of AARP Foundation; Rick Stengel, Managing Editor of TIME magazine; Luis Ubiñas, President of the Ford Foundation; Commentator and Philanthropist Tavis Smiley; Angela Glover Blackwell Founder and CEO, PolicyLink; Heritage Foundation Distinguished Fellow Stuart Butler; Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick; Personal Finance Expert Suze Orman; and Washington Post Columnist Michael Gerson. Other speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
WHEN:   
Thursday, November 3, 2011 - Friday, November 4, 2011
WHERE:   
November 3, 8:00pm, The Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., New York, NY
November 4, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Columbia University (Alfred J. Lerner Hall –2920 Broadway, New York, NY)

MEDIA CREDENTIALS/ACCESS:
To attend the summit please contact Elleni@pointblankpa.com. To interview your Leader or Scholar please contact ccashman@bethechangeinc.org.  

More information about Opportunity Nation and the November Summit can be found at

www.opportunitynation.org

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Why I Want to Die Empty

By Steeve Simbert

January 11, 2010 was a pretty typical day in Haiti.  At that time I was attending the New American School (NAS).  The American writer, David Baron, had come to my school in Haiti. It was during a tutoring session that David and I were thrown on the ground when the earthquake began to shake the building that we were in.  It was that day that my country’s capital city was destroyed by a disastrous earthquake that caused the death of over 300,000 people.  My life would be forever changed.

At the time, I simply thought it was a dream, maybe some kind of horror movie, even more terrifying, the end of the world. I wanted to say farewell to David as we were embracing each other tightly on the floor of the trembling building. Suddenly, everything was cracking and breaking down. Dust everywhere erupted into a cloud that dispersed throughout Port-au-Prince.  Never in my life had I been so scared.  As I lay on the floor, something clicked and I found a great strength.  David had been injured, and I knew I needed to help him to safety.  I was in a situation in which I could not give up; I was terrified for the safety of my family and friends but I knew I simply had to keep on going. I simply stood up and helped David get back on his feet. The intensity of the fall left some blood on his chin and the tragic incident left him with some serious injuries. I began to worry about his health, and all kinds of thoughts occurred in my mind in a fraction of a second. I realized his glasses had fallen on the ground, so I put them in my pocket and guided him to the open street.

The first floor of the four-story building we were in lay in pieces. As we were located on the terrace of the second floor, it was easier for us to simply jump out. We went in the streets, which were safer for the time being, yet all kinds of human suffering were taking place right before my eyes. So much anguish lay all around me. “What horrible offenses could Haitians have committed to deserve such an evil punishment?” I thought.  Mothers, fathers, sons, infants, youths, adults, seniors – regardless of one's rank, class, or type, if it was not for luck and destiny, one would have been killed immediately by the earthquake. As we stood watching, almost everyone was covered with dust; many were trying to rescue others in need; some were running up and down the streets carrying dead and injured people. People everywhere were bleeding. Others were yelling, crying and praying as they were going insane while looking desperately for their missing relatives.

To hide from the pain and suffering, I went to the backyard of Villa Manrèse with David. Early the next morning, I went around the neighborhood asking for blood pressure pills which David needed very badly. Fortunately, I found enough pills to last for several days. I then became like a beggar, asking everybody for food and all kinds of ingredients necessary for our well-being, and then I shared them with David. We always obeyed our motto, which was: “It's simple; eat whatever we have in case we don't have for tomorrow.” I made sure my new friend was safe and was feeling comfortable all the time; whenever he had some worries I took care of them by assuring him, “there is a solution to every problem.” With my hope and determination to succeed in times of crisis, I helped my friend to retrieve his belongings in the barricaded building, and accompanied him to the American Embassy. Now David is safe in his New Orleans home, and we still keep in touch as David is my BFFL, Best Friend for Life.

After the earthquake, I was given a second chance to come to the United States by my father. My father had abandoned me to Haiti in 2008. One month after my moving to Miami, he kicked me out of the house and I became homeless.  I share this with you not for your sympathy, but to confide in you what I believe is my most valuable life lesson embodied by the famous Chinese proverb “in crisis, cleverness is born”.

I have always been blessed with a positive spirit.  I learned very young to embrace life.  I have studied my idols, Martin Luther King, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, and Mohandas Gandhi.  I have learned that all great lives have great struggles; that it is during the struggles that these great men and women develop the character and build the skills required for their greatness.  I know that crisis does indeed create cleverness.

Throughout my life I have been blessed, for I have been able to withstand unforgettable difficulties time and time again. My past does not define who I am. Rather, my difficult past experiences motivate me to create a better life for myself. Due to the hardships that I endured, I now crave a life of only greatness—one that is filled with passion, happiness, and extraordinary success.  It is the great tragedies that fuel my desire and that have given me greater strength.

Shortly after being kicked out of the house, I had to grow up very quickly. I could either choose to give up or to move forward. Luckily, the adversity in my life had given me the motivation and ability to persevere.  It was very hard, but I now thank God for giving me such a great opportunity to be independent at an early age.  I was able to learn the art of making money and spending it wisely.  Most importantly, I learned that I can stand on my own, that I am truly capable of not only surviving but thriving. 

I had to do everything in my power to create a strategy to receive a full scholarship at St. Thomas University. I had no other choice than to receive a full scholarship or die. The laws of the universe were very kind to me and convinced the officials of St. Thomas University to give me a full scholarship as one of the earthquake survivors of Haiti who desperately needed help to attend college.  It is funny how from a great tragedy came such a tremendous opportunity—more proof that crisis breeds cleverness and opportunity.

I remember the first day I attended college.  For the first time in many years I had a room with a bed to sleep in, I had three meals a day, and I was in an environment where I was truly safe and secure.  What is very common and expected for most Americans was a dream come true for me. Since starting St. Thomas, I have been blessed to be selected by several national and international organizations, such as: the 2011 Clinton Global Initiative University to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world; the 2011 Beijing International Youth Festival Global Development Youth Summit to have direct dialogues and cultural exchanges with youth from all over the world;  and the 2011 Opportunity Nation Scholar to promote opportunity, social mobility, and access to the American Dream.  Most recently, I have been fortunate to be the recipient of the ‘Young Social Entrepreneur/ Venture of the Year’ award from the Casimiro Foundation.

I now have a new dream.  I want to change the fate of millions of children in Haiti. I want to represent possibilities to my fellow Haitian brothers and sisters to show them that they have the power to do anything they want. I believe that the greatest tool that we can offer to Haitians is to empower them. Through empowerment, they will be enlightened to achieve greatness. Through enlightenment, they will be awakened to be one-hundred-percent accountable for their own initiative and success. Through awakening, they will reach the knowledge to become sustainable. And with sustainability, a brighter future of Haiti can be possible. Who knows, I might be the ‘Ambassador of Change’.

“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can become it.”

William Arthur Ward

Please visit Steeve’s with Fellow Clinton Global Initiative students’ blog: http://reenvision.tumblr.com/