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Introduction

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Hello fellow readers, Welcome to my page! Last summer I had the privilege of participating in a study tour led by the Canadian Jesuits International (CJI). Along with a group of 12 amazing Canadians coming from all across the country, I went to Dajabón in the Domincan Republic and Ouanaminthe in Haiti to learn more about social justice and international solidarity in this region. Our group with Father Mario Serrano Marte and Robinson our Guide and Driver                         The Canadian Jesuit International (CJI) is an international non-governmental organization, based in Toronto, which works with Jesuits and other partners in countries of the Global South to support poor and marginalized communities in their struggle for justice and dignity. Our tour was led by two members of the CJI staff and their dedicated local partner, Father Mario Serrano Marte, who is the National Director of the Society of Jesus’s Social Sector and the Director of Centro Montalvo, in the Dominic
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Why I decided to go on this study tour

Growing up in a developing country made me very aware of the importance of international solidarity and of social justice and ignited my passion for international development. Moreover, following my international solidarity internship in Peru, in 2015, I was eager to learn more about international solidarity and social justice. Hence, when I came across this study tour opportunity, I didn’t think twice before applying! Going on this trip was an opportunity to learn firsthand about the social justice issues that exist in the Dominican Republic and Haiti and to raise awareness about these issues in my community upon my return in Canada. By visiting and accompanying the Jesuit Migrant Service staff, I wanted to witness in person the challenges that they face while promoting human and social development at the Haitian-Dominican border.
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The social justice reality in the Dominican Republic and Haiti

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Migration issues at the Haitian-Dominican border Challenges surrounding migration at the Haitian-Dominican border was one of the main topics that stood out during this study tour. Due to lack of opportunities in their countries, a lot of Haitians migrate to the Dominican Republic in hopes of finding jobs in order to support their families. During our visit to Centro Montalvo in Dajabón, we had the opportunity to sit with Gustavo. He is the Centre’s Coordinator as well as its National Director for Migration. Centro Montalvo’s mission is to address human rights violations that migrant Haitian workers face when they cross the border to the Dominican Republic. According to the Centre’s employees, who actively work on the field, Haitian migrants (including children) are oftentimes victims of sexual abuse at the border, are victims of violence from the military police at the border, are highly vulnerable to human trafficking and are exploited by their employers. To address and
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The work of the Jesuits in the Dominican Republic and Haiti

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Radio Marien Led by Father Guillermo Perdomo, S.J., this radio station broadcasts programs (such as educational programs, Sunday masses, news etc.) which aim at improving the lives of the people in the community. As per the words of Father Guillermo: “The radio is the internet of the poor” .  In fact, the new Bishop who came to Dajabon in 2006 described Radio Marien as “the educators of the border”. Moreover, this organization has created awareness campaigns in the past to help protect people from malaria and have instructed the community instructing people in the proper of bed nets.  Father Guillermo Perdomo, S.J. presenting Radio Marien to our group Our group with members of the staff of Radio Marien During our visit to Radio Marien, we also had the opportunity to introduce ourselves on the radio and to explain the reason of our visit to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Lakay Jezi in Ouanaminthe, Haiti Ultimately, the main objective of Fathe
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