Haitians learn rebuilding skills in Ottawa

Several dozen Haitians will soon return to their earthquake-ravaged country to rebuild, armed with knowledge they are taking away after three months of training in Ottawa.

Thirty-nine students arrived at La Cité collégiale in February to learn framing, siding, masonry, plumbing and electrical work. Their visit is part of a federal program meant to help Haiti's massive rebuilding effort after the quake that devastated the Caribbean country in January 2010.

"In my country, I was a carpenter," said Ronald Volcimus, one of the students. "I used to make furniture, but here they showed me how to build a house."

Volcimus, who lost his brother in the quake, will continue his training at a technical school in his country.

"I feel very good, because when I get back in my country I will help the population to rebuild Haiti," he said.
Lack of construction material a concern

While the students say they now have the skill set they need, they're not sure they'll have the necessary construction materials when they return to their country.

In particular, wood is in short supply. Haiti has no forest industry and few wood-framed buildings. Many Haitians were killed by cement construction that collapsed during the disasters.

The international response has included large shipments of construction material, but so far not enough.

"The wood, it's very expensive in Haiti," said student Fred Marcellus. "I'd say it's the biggest problem we have."

The students built garden sheds in Ottawa, which will be sold to help raise money for the rebuilding efforts. The students return home in two weeks.