When Kona Shen first visited Haiti in 2007, the Brown University graduate couldn’t help but notice how popular soccer was as a sport. She even honed her Creole skills while playing the sport with a local soccer team in the city of Léogane, where her volunteer group was operating.

When an earthquake hit Haiti, Shen was part of a Committee that her alma mater organized to respond to the disaster. She traveled with Orphans Worldwide in early Spring of 2010 to help launch social and educational programs post-earthquake. Shen observed that even while dealing with the trauma of such a devastating disaster, neighborhood kids and adults were playing soccer in the streets. It was a sight to see how much an effect the game had on people young and old, and the connection it brought for earthquake victims who were coming head-to-head with the aftermath such a catastrophic events. The award-winning volunteer (A President’s Volunteer Service Award is among the honors Shen has received for her volunteerism) knew then that she had found her calling.

By May 2 of 2010, Shen founded Global Outreach and Love of Soccer—-G.O.A.L.S for short. Since then, the organization has launched off a series of community service projects and activities—including a tree planting initiative, a daily summer camp and soccer tournaments—to help engage the youth and adults of the community in Léogane and get them involved in environmental causes and improve their lives, through their mutual love of soccer. G.O.A.L.S serves nearly 500 kids in its city of origin. Shen, who speaks Creole, French, Spanish and Chinese was happy to discuss G.O.A.L.S.

Any particular reason why you founded the organization in the city of Léogane?
Léogane is the first place I visited in Haiti and I continue to love living and working here. I think that it is somewhat unique in Haiti because it has a relatively high population but it still feels rural and accessible. People are friendly and it’s safe. A lot of times, it feels like everyone knows everyone, and that makes for a great environment to work and live.

What do you love most about Haiti?
There is a lot that I love about Haiti, from the dancing and music to the food and history. In terms of GOALS, I love that people come together for soccer. Families and neighbors come out to watch games, kids share their tattered soccer balls, and everyone follows every play like it’s the World Cup. I think that kind of passion they have for the game, and the time and energy that kids and their coaches devote to improving, is truly inspiring.

How important is soccer to the lives of young kids in Haiti, from what you’ve seen?
Everywhere I’ve been in Haiti, kids will do just about anything to play soccer. They have so much fun with it, and their talent is clear to see. I love that no matter how many obstacles are in a kid’s life, that if they put in the hard work to get better at the sport, they improve. For a lot of kids, playing soccer is an equalizing experience.

What’s the biggest satisfaction you’ve garnered since the inception of the organization?
GOALS originally started as a small project, and we have been fortunate to have a chance to expand. I’m most satisfied seeing that there are now hundreds of kids who have access to these programs, and I am committed to making sure hundreds more will have a chance to join GOALS in the future.

Did you have any obstacles along the way?
We have had some obstacles here and there, but nothing major. The fact that we work very, very closely with local communities to pursue projects that they determine are important means that our priorities are the same as those of the people we are trying to help. I think approaching the work from this perspective helps avoid a lot of potential problems.

What are your goals, no pun intended, for GOALS in the next few years?
I am working to ensure that we are able to grow the programs in the next few years, and hopefully give many more kids access to the sport, community service, and education activities in Haiti. This will take an increase in support of our programs, as well as raising awareness about what we’re doing.

For those out there who might want to help with the GOALS mission—what can they do?
Please consider making a donation to sponsor a summer camper this year. It only costs $25 and will give a child in a rural area a unique chance to benefit from our different kinds of programs. Helping spread word about GOALS is also much appreciated. For information about our programs, how to donate, or links to our page on Facebook, please visit G.O.A.L.S Haiti.

Some Haitian-Americans were grossly offended when a Hurricane Matthew segment by Weather Channel Meteorologist Jen Delgado surfaced from a Monday broadcast. The offending part? The Weather Channel weather expert attributed the hurricane’s projected damages to deforestation. Well, that’s pretty sound…except that she went to on to say this:

“They take all the trees down, the burn the trees. Even the kids there, they’re so hungry, they actually eat the trees.”

Looks like Ms. Delgado has been greatly misinformed in regards to deforestation in Haiti and Haitian gastronomy. The outrage was so pronounced, it led to over a 600 online signed petition calling for an apology. The anchor has since apologized, and the Weather Channel itself issued an apology.

Was this a case of adlibing live commentary gone wrong?

Everyone one of us has an occasional slip of the tongue. But the fact that an educated, high-profiled person can make a misguided comment like that made many shake their heads. Is this how some folks see Haiti? Goodness, gracious!

But Ms. Delgado did express her regret over making the comment. And at least now, she knows kids in Haiti don’t consume trees.

At 24 years old, Yendy Cave is the CEO of Kids In Haiti, a helping-hands organization she launched. Kids in Haiti is just what its name indicates. It’s dedicated to helping Haiti’s children. Multi-generational studies may characterize Millennials as self-absorbed narcissists, but Yendy is can be counted out of that stereotype bubble.

Based in New York, she travels frequently to Haiti to take care of Kids in Haiti business. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marketing Management, the budding philanthropist is devoted to the cause her little heart holds so dear. Whether its food drives, outdoor activities, back-to-school giveaways and kids parties, Yendy finds a way to makes Haiti’s youths know that she (and a host of Kids in Haiti supporters) care.

Kreyolicious: What made you start this initiative?

This project started about four years ago. I was helping my cousin with a party for the kids of Furcy [a town in Haiti] in December for about 250 kids. I got very involved. And from there, I knew that it would be something I would like to do more [of]. Soon after, someone approached me about visiting an orphanage that needed help. I went to see the seventy kids of Orphelinat de la Main Divine with some snacks and drinks. I fell in love with these souls and decided to definitely start something for them. It started with a yearly party in December, followed by a back-to-school in August, and here I am today, three years later with 300 kids and three houses that I try my best to help.

Kreyolicious: Kids in Haiti…that’s a rather simple name…straight to the point. What do you feel is the greatest needs of kids in Haiti.

First of all, “for the kids” indeed is simple and straight-to-the-point, but only because the purpose is the kids. It’s not about me or anything else. Everything I do is for the kids. I believe the kids need love and affection before everything else. If you don’t have love, everything else cannot be built properly. The most important need after would be their health. Not only are most kids in Haiti not able to get their primary needs [taken care of], but also most of them suffer from different diseases. For this, I make sure to give them an annual doctor’s consultation and provide the medicine prescribed to each kid for the treatment. Another necessary need is of course food and water. Many kids suffer from hunger in Haiti and sometimes even die from it. After food comes, of course, education. Without education there is no knowledge, no principles, no values and no goals in life. The kids are the future, and we are the ones to make sure they are well equipped.

Kreyolicious: How can those who are wanting to get involved, help the Kids in Haiti organization?

I am always open to talk to anyone interested to help. I try my best to answer all messages and email and even provide my phone. Anyone who wants to help can always reach out to me from the contact info on the website, letting me know how they would like to help. The help can go from donating food, drinks, toys, clothes, school supplies, medicine—and of course, money—which can also be donated on the website. Some also like to give their time…which is always welcome, as I always need volunteers during the parties to help out, play with and give love to the kids.

Kreyolicious: Did you take any classes at school that helped you in managing in your non-profit? If so, which, and how did they help?

I haven’t taken many classes so far related to that. But as I started my Master’s now about six months ago, I’m hoping to get more knowledge in this area, as a part of my major is management. What I’ve done so far has been from my own planning, and of course, primarily with God’s help.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you like to give those out there who’d like to start a non-profit?

Please do it! [Laughter] I would always encourage people to continue with such movements as they can only help haiti in a way they can’t begin to imagine. It is hard work and takes a lot of motivation, energy, passion and strength, but it is also so worth it. So, I would tell them to always remember what their main focus and goal are whenever difficulties and hardships come their way. As long as I remember these kids’ smiles, I am more than happy to be struggling as long as it’s for them.

Kreyolicious: What do you hope to accomplish with Kids in Haiti in the next couple of years?

I hope God grants me the blessing of continuing to help them in any way I can. Whether it is for-end-of-the-year-parties, for health consultations and so on, I’ll be more than happy to help. I also hope to find more help so that the children can benefit from more. For example, being able to provide them clean sheets to sleep on, clean towels and so on). The more help I get, the more kids i can help. So, I sincerely hope to find many people willing to donate in order for more and more kids to receive all that I am able to plan and provide for them.

Thank you so much for this interview. I feel honored to be featured and hope that through this short reading, many will be sensitize and willing to contribute. Once again, this isn’t about me but all about the kids. Let’s do it for them and for Haiti.

FOR THE KIDS ON INSTAGRAM| FOR THE KIDS ON TWITTER CLICK TO VISIT THE FOR THE KIDS OF HAITI WEBSITE.

Do you have some little ones in your life who you’d like to give them a sense of what Haitian culture is all about? Or perhaps not necessarily a taste of Haitian culture, but just a few books with Haitian characters and Haitian themes?

Check out these books! They’ll probably do a lot in helping you in your quest.

5. Popo and Fifina by Arna Bontemps and Langston Hughes
Age Group: 6 and up

This book was written in 1931, but several modern day editions have been done since then. It tells the story of two children of Haiti, and has plenty of moral lessons. Popo is an eight year old and Fifina is a ten year old who live with their dad Papa Jean near Cap Haitien, and how they live in dignity, in spite of the fact that Papa Jean’s only income is from fishing and farming.

There’s some really eye-captivating print board illustrations from E. Simms Campbell. One of the most remarkable things about this book is that it was published at the height of the latter days of the Harlem Renaissance by two giants of that movement. Literary historian R. Baird Shuman recounted that Bontemps went on to write another book about Haiti entitled Drums at Dusk, a historical novel. Hughes wrote a play about Haiti four years later entitled Emperor of Haiti.

According to his biographers, Hughes had visited Haiti, and the book’s text is sprinkled with a few Creole phrases here and there. In his book African Americans and Haitians: A Legacy of Tragedy and Hope, Dr. Leon Denius Pamphile sums up the book’s importance this way: “Popo and Fifina contrasts the beauty of the Haitian landscape, its lush flowering trees, and delicious fruit with the plight of Popo and the barefooted peasant farmers who lived in huts.”

Upon publication, the book was immediately praised by critics, and according to Langston Hughes: Folk Dramatist in the Protest Tradition, 1921-1943 by Joseph McLaren it was dramatized by Brunetta Muzzon and adopted in Chicago’s public schools.

4. Anacaona: Golden Flower, 1430 Edwidge Danticat
Age Group: 10 and up

Poet. Warrior. Chief. So many titles, for one woman and her name was Anacaona. This book tells her story from her childhood on, and is part of a series that the publishing company Scholastic launched of princesses of times past. This book will teach your child about the indigenous peoples of Haiti, what their lives were like before and after Christopher Columbus landed in Haiti.

Anacaona is assertive; she’s a compassionate ruler, but she’s no fool. She ruled along with her brother Bohechio, and upon his death, was the sole ruler of Xaragua.

In the book Anacaona is depicted as a pursuer of peace and fair ruler, and reading about her can boost your daughter’s confidence in herself, but it can educate all kids about a woman who lived for her people.

3. Children of Yayoute: Folk Tales of Haiti, Francois Turennes de Pres
Age Group: 7 and up

This book was originally published in the late 1940s by Haitian painter Turennes de Pres, and republished nearly 50 years later. Publisher’s Weekly called Children of Yayoute a “visual treasure” in a glowing review of the book.

There are twelve stories and each of them are traditional tales, unique to Haiti. There is the story of Noemi, a young villager and the talking fish who brings her to live underwater with him.

Actually, this book is a treat—period—just for the gorgeous, eye-captivating illustrations. There is also an extensive glossary in the rear of the book so that you can discuss words unknown to you and your child.

2. Samona and Seth by Joanne Hyppolite
Age Group: 7 and up

I remember the first time I came across this book in the library. I was just overwhelmed to find a book like this….with Haitian characters who were real and a story line that I could identify with. Samona and Seth are kinda friends. He’s the proper-dressing, parental rules-following type of youngin—the type your Haitian parents would tell you would make a good husband in the near future. [In my uncle’s voice] (“Se pa junkie non, hmmm”).

Seth even has one of those types of biblical names that Haitian parents don to their kids, hoping that they’ll be just as pious as the biblical person they’re named after (ahem, you know, Josué, Emmanuel, Maranatha, Nazareth, Bethsaida).

Samona and Seth have that sort of relationship that one hopes will grow into something more in years to come. Where Samona is, Seth is just a few feet away. And in most cases—right behind her.

Samona decides that she’s going to be entering the Little Miss Dorchester pageant. Seth is well-meaning; he is convinced that she won’t get the crown. But Samona is determined to show the entire world what she’s made of.

Seth and Samona won the Marguerite de Angeli prize, an award for excellence in children’s book writing. The book is a great tool to show kids, especially young girls, about self-esteem and determination. The illustration by Colin Brotman are so realistic.

1. The Bonplezi Family, Maude Hertelou
Age Group: 7 and Up

This book is a fictionalized account of the reality of the lives of Haitian immigrants. Through the Bonplezi family, one learns about the dynamics of the family relationships.

The Bonplezis have relatives in the United States, Haiti, and Canada, and yet do their utmost, so that in spite of the distance, they remain close knit.

This book can be used by parents to emphasize family connections, in addition to encourage the love of reading.

It’s over 242 pages and might be looked at as a reading book for advanced readers.

Images: Children of Yayoute book cover via Bliss Design

Miami-based mom Tamara B. Rodriguez was horrified when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Among the questions that swirled in her mind were: What was life going to be like for her in the next three months? Then the ultimate mother’s dilemma lay before her: how to reveal the life-changing news to her children? Then an idea occurred to her…why not write a photo book about it to convey the nature of the disease to her daughters, while also helping other moms facing the same situation? This was how Hair to the Queen, her stunning, sensitively-worded, book—illustrated by Carole A. Smith—was conceptualized.

Women of color make up a huge chunk of the estimated 246,000 diagnosis this year alone. Tamara B. Rodriguez’s book is one of the rare books to feature a plot with a cancer patient of color. The Haiti-born, Florida-raised community leader broke down her Hair to the Queen book and her latest breast cancer activism in a conversation with your fave chick Kreyolicious.

Kreyolicious: In all, how long did it take you to finish your book from concept to end product?
Conceptually, I had the story structured in a few months, but it took over two years because I took the time to appreciate the process. My dear friend and award-winning author, Edwidge Danticat, advised me to enjoy the journey, so I did.

Kreyolicious: What sort of feedback have you gotten from readers?
The book is being really well received, especially by the medical community, who immediately have recognized the need for a modern and uplifting story that can help families discuss a not-so-fun subject in a fun way.

Kreyolicious: Many breast cancer survivors have said that addressing breast cancer and getting together with other survivors helped them heal.
I completely agree. In Haitian culture, we don’t like to talk openly about anything uncomfortable, especially cancer. However, it’s only when people talk about it, that others can be saved.

Kreyolicious: Absolutely, and true of all cultures, no doubt. You have collaborated with several organizations, including The Alfred Beliard Foundation. Can you tell us more about your work with them?
The Alfred Beliard Foundation is an organization that focuses on cancer education, early prevention, and treatment in Cap-Haïtien and the northern part of Haiti. Can you believe there is no oncologist in Cap-Haitien? That means that people are dying with preventable cancers for absolutely no reason! The Alfred Beliard Foundation educates the people in underserved communities about cancer. Also, we partner with international organizations that offer equipment and resources to provide assistance in those areas. Currently, we are developing solutions for patients with ovarian and breast cancer. In the long run, we would like to have a full-service oncology center in Cap-Haïtien.

Kreyolicious: You wrote this book for your daughters. As an adult, what did you read to come to terms with your initial diagnosis?
I read a few books, but what really helped the most was the honest conversations I had with survivors.

Kreyolicious: Have you thought about spinoffs of this book? Perhaps co-authoring books with other cancer survivors?
During the writing process of Hair to the Queen!, I knew I wanted to develop certain characters for a spin-off. In Hair to the Queen!, there’s a party guest named Teo, who was inspired by a little boy who has leukemia. This book is written from a little girl’s perspective, and it also would be beneficial to have the story told from a little boy’s perspective, as well. In general, children are incredibly resilient, but boys and girls definitely go through different emotions. For example, most girls focus on their hair and overall appearance. Although boys certainly have their own particularities, they process information and respond differently than girls.

Kreyolicious: What would you like to say to those who have been newly diagnosed and their families?
Support, support, support. There is an indescribable mix of emotions that comes with a diagnosis: Am I going to die? What will happen to my children? Do I tell people? Why me?

It is critical for families and friends to rally around the patient, and I was blessed to have an amazing support system. My young daughters, surprisingly, gave me such strength, and that was the reason I decided to write my first children’s book. If you just take the time to talk and listen to what they have to say, you’ll be surprised by how much children understand.

Do you have someone in your family or circle who could benefit from Tamara B. Rodriguez’s book Hair to the Queen? CLICK HERE to order it! CLICK HERE TO VISIT Tamara B. Rodriguez’s website and learn more about Hair to the Queen|