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.
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