Don’t trek down to Haiti

Any student groups or individuals still trying to go to Haiti in the near future should seriously reconsider. Relief efforts have been mired by the collapsed infrastructure. And right now, visiting students will only consume precious supplies.

It’s encouraging to see so many people who want to help out Haitian earthquake victims. But most student efforts have focused on raising money and awareness, and it needs to stay that way.

The Lutheran Campus Ministry has already canceled its plans to travel to Haiti, and any other groups still considering it should follow that group’s example.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning on Jan. 14, urging all U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to Haiti. That warning expires Feb. 13. The University’s travel policy doesn’t allow UNC-recognized student groups to travel in violation of U.S. State Department warnings.

But even when the State Department lifts the travel warning, students should reconsider going to Haiti.

The relief effort in Haiti is best handled by professional non-governmental organizations, the United Nations and the U.S. government.

And unless you speak fluent Creole or French, you’ll need a translator, which will be a further drain on resources.

What Haiti needs right now is our generosity. Students don’t have a lot of money, but we have enough to contribute $10 here and there.

For example, students can attend the 1 Voice 4 Haiti Benefit Concert from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday at Memorial Hall. Tickets are $10, and the proceeds will go to the Architecture for Humanity relief fund.

Students can also dedicate time to raising awareness about Haiti’s needs. The Campus Y’s Web site has ample information about how to get involved in the Haiti relief effort. Or you can go to www.unc.edu/haiti.

If you’re still yearning to travel to Haiti to help, go sometime in the next few years. Haiti won’t be rebuilt over night, and able bodies will still be needed for years to come. For now, stay put and donate money and time.