Haiti two years after the earthquake

Haiti2yearsHeader

A man in front of his house, a part of local reconstruction and rehabilitation of traditional houses project. Credits: Secours Catholique

A man in front of his house, a part of local reconstruction and rehabilitation of traditional houses project.
Credits: Secours Catholique

In Haiti, two years after the earthquake of 12 January 2010, Caritas Confederation members are keeping up their efforts to help the people affected by the disaster. The earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, caused 230,000 deaths and affected more than three million people by destroying up to 90% of infrastructures in the hardest hit areas. The generosity of people from around the world has enabled Caritas to set up dozens of projects that have played a part in rebuilding the country and improving the living conditions of Haiti’s most disadvantaged people.

After giving immediate assistance to the people affected by the earthquake (distribution of food, hygiene kits and essential items, as well as provision of temporary shelter), Caritas members have turned their attention to more long-term aid projects.

Caritas members have intervened in various areas of activity. Of course, thousands of homes have been rebuilt, which as Caritas Haiti says represents “a victory over the earthquake and a fresh start for the most vulnerable families.” Caritas is also working incessantly to provide people with better access to healthcare and adequate sanitation infrastructures. This work has become a high priority since the outbreak of a cholera epidemic in Haiti in October 2010, which continues to threaten many regions of the country.

Caritas members also support the rebuilding of schools and improvement of access to education for children from poor families. Caritas helps farmers to improve their output and thus combat malnutrition. Caritas takes care of the elderly who have lost everything and are on their own with no other means of subsistence. Caritas has also provided psycho- social assistance to people traumatised after the earthquake, especially children. Caritas has helped women to start up new business activities to make them more self-sufficient and improve the living standards of their families. The initiatives are as diversified as the needs of the Haitian people.

Our report presents a series of snapshots of the initiatives undertaken by some Caritas Confederation members in Haiti. These accounts are just a few examples of the many projects carried out among and with the Haitian people.

Rebuilding rural housing in Cap Rouge
construction4Cap Rouge, a small town in a remote rural area, is perched on a humid plateau around 10 kilometres from Jacmel, which is considered to be the major town in south-eastern Haiti.
Photo gallery: Haiti two years after
pic61In Haiti, two years after the earthquake of 12 January 2010, Caritas is keeping up its efforts to help the people rebuild the country
In Port-au-Prince, Cordaid is helping communities to reinvent their neighbourhoods
rebuilding1benisete-et-sa-maman1“These housing estates are the future for me and my family.” said Bénisette. Around 100 families like Bénisette’s have benefited from Cordaid’s assistance in rebuilding or repairing their houses.
In southern Haiti mothers are at the heart of development strategy
localecon1Germaine Bataille works for the local Caritas and supports the mothers groups in setting up solidarity credit unions. “We currently have 128 solidarity credit unions in the region.
Keeping cholera in check in Haiti
health12“When the cholera epidemic broke out in October 2010, we weren’t prepared for it. We were unfamiliar with this disease, and during the first few weeks a large number of sick people came in to see us. Things weren’t easy.”
Schools reopen in Haiti
school4“When the school collapsed, what was essential was finding the children. The rest was just material,” said Sr. Josette Drouinaud of the Mère Delia Institute for primary and secondary school girls.
Healing trauma after Haiti’s earthquake
Some were trapped in rubble for hours. Other lost loved ones. Thousands saw their homes destroyed. For survivors of Haiti’s earthquake, grief and pain became constant companion.
Quenching the rice fields’ thirst
Fednor, a farmer, is preparing what will soon be the main source of food for his family – a rice field. In Joque, in the province of Les Cayes, rice growing is the most common agricultural activity.
Haiti’s elderly get their zest back
There are no pensions for the elderly in Haiti. They live off the financial and food aid they receive from their children. But many of these children had moved to Port-au-Prince or Jacmel to work.
New homes for Haitians
Almost two years on from the earthquake of 12 January 2010, more than 600,000 people are still displaced in camps. They live in extremely precarious conditions and their health security is at risk.

Donate


Please give to Caritas generously. Your support makes our work possible.

Pray

Caritas brought together a collection of prayers and reflections for you to use.

Volunteer


Volunteers make a crucial contribution. Find out how you can be one.