In this 4-part Students Rebuild videoconference series live from Haiti, North American and European students participated in a life-changing journey in speaking with their Haitian peers whose schools had been destroyed by the earthquake. The participating classes, in participating at Students Rebuild teams, have come away from the videoconferences with a reinforced understanding of the complex issues of rebuilding after disaster, international aid, and the empowering realization that they too can make a difference helping Haitian students-turned-friends rebuild their livelihoods.

The Sessions:

1. Introduction to Haiti / Cultural exchange - May 2010
2. Emergency Education - October 2010
3. Understanding School Reconstruction - February 2011
4. Haiti Today: The Way Forward - May 2011

Haiti Challenge Sessions Overview

Session 1 - Introduction to Haiti: Student Cultural Exchange
This first session focused on "breaking the ice" between North American and Haitian students. GNG introduced the Students Rebuild project at the start of the IVC. Participants from each school site presented their schools/communities to their peers: students from schools Elie Dubois and Baptiste Bon Berger that are being rebuilt with Students Rebuild-raised funds. Conversations focused on sharing one's values, cultures, and interests in relation to the greater Students Rebuild project: check out the highlights reel below!

Session 2 - Emergency Education
This second session promoted the importance ofemergency/post-catastrophe/conflict education as a key element to development through gaining background knowledge of Haiti's education system and it's key role in rebuilding Haiti's future. Students cross analyzed how emergency education in conducted in their respective locations.

Session 3 - Understanding School Reconstruction in Haiti: A Process in the Making
This third session provided students an overview of the complexities of the school reconstruction process: how buildings in Haiti collapsed and what measures are taken to build Haiti back better. A representative of Architecture for Humanity walked the students through the new designs being worked on at their Port-au-Prince office for the new Students Rebuild schools.

Session 4 - Haiti Today: The Way Forward
During this session, participating classes learned about life in present-day Haiti by hearing stories from their Haitian peers, and why young Haitians may find it difficult to stay in school, even if they are provided a temporary place to attend class. Students discussed topics such as "Ongoing Challenges and Opportunities," "The Political Situation in Haiti–Pre- and Post-Earthquake," and "Haitian Youth Culture."