Latin America Archives - Page 32 of 36

Another world is possible

23/06/2010 Advocacy, Brazil, Development, High-Level Meetings and Events, Latin America by Caritas Communications

One hundred and fifty Caritas representatives from 14 countries attended theWorld Social Forum (WSF) in Belém, Brazil. TheWSF is seen as a vital opportunity for social movements, NGOs and civil society networks to discuss the issues of poverty and the effects of globalisation. “For Caritas, theWorld Social Forum is an opportunity for the globalisation of ...

Finding a new home after Haiti quake

7/06/2010 Aid Success Story, Conflicts and Disasters, Emergencies, Emergencies in Haiti, Haiti, Latin America by Caritas Communications

By Mathilde Magnier “For the past three months there’ve been 16 people sitting down to eat every evening,” says Sébien Danbrevil. Up to 600,000 people fled Port-au-Prince for outlying areas following Haiti’s 12th January earthquake. For months after the disaster, Caritas has been helping people in the Nippes area to settle into their new lives. ...

Archbishop Óscar Romero – a voice for the oppressed

30/05/2010 Advocacy, Catholic Teaching, Conflicts and Disasters, El Salvador, Latin America, Peacebuilding by Caritas Communications

For me the death of Archbishop Oscar Romero is one of the saddest moments of my life. By bravely speaking out on behalf of the poor and oppressed he paid with his death.

Empowerment in Colombia

28/05/2010 Advocacy, Aid Success Story, Colombia, Conflicts and Disasters, Development, Emergencies, Latin America, Peacebuilding by Caritas Communications

When Colombia’s war reached Eva Mape’s home town and her apartment block was blown up, she realised it was time to leave. “We had no choice but to go. The only things we managed to save were some clothes that were outside,” says Ms Mape. Her story echoes that of millions of Colombians who over ...

Colombia: Life without fear

28/05/2010 Advocacy, Aid Success Story, Colombia, Conflicts and Disasters, Emergencies, Latin America, Peacebuilding by Caritas Communications

For some people, life’s certainties don’t even stretch to the safety of a home. Fighting in Colombia between rebels, paramiliatries and the Government for over 45 years has forced millions of people to leave their homes to seek safety. “When I was a child, I heard rumours about war and people killing each other, but ...

Preparing for the worst in Honduras

26/05/2010 Advocacy, Climate Change, Food, Honduras, Latin America by Caritas Communications

Reaching the communities of El Porvenir is no easy task. The steep, 8km climbing track is often impassable by vehicle during the storm season.

The forgotten ones in Haiti

24/05/2010 Conflicts and Disasters, Emergencies, Emergencies in Haiti, Haiti, Latin America by Caritas Communications

By Mathilde Magnier In Port-au-Prince there are a number of neighbourhoods which aren’t considered a priority but which were hard hit by the earthquake.Caritas is working in these communities At first appearances, Sibert seems to have stood up well to Haiti’s January 12th earthquake. There’s little damage in this almost rural neighbourhood in the north ...

First signs of reconstruction in Haiti

19/05/2010 Aid Success Story, Conflicts and Disasters, Emergencies, Emergencies in Haiti, Haiti, Latin America by Caritas Communications

By Mathilde Magnier As the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of earthquake victims in Port-au-Prince becomes ever more challenging ahead of the rainy season, Caritas starts setting up temporary shelter in rural areas. Bolivar Tasic is resting. The burning sun at midday is wearing her out. Sitting in the shade of the only tree on ...

Children’s laughter returns to Haiti

14/05/2010 Aid Success Story, Conflicts and Disasters, Emergencies, Emergencies in Haiti, Haiti, Latin America by Caritas Communications

By Mathilde Magnier in Haiti “The children’s laughter just changes the atmosphere, it is the most therapeutic thing in the world ! Since we started with activities for the little ones, things have really changed around here,” says David Valeus. He has a ball in one hand and a paintbrush in the other one. Life is ...

Léogàne needs to keep its health clinics

14/05/2010 Conflicts and Disasters, Emergencies, Emergencies in Haiti, Haiti, Latin America by Caritas Communications

By Mathilde Magnier As many humanitarian organizations have started to withdraw their temporary medical units from the city of Léogàne, about 50 km from the capital Port-au-Prince, Caritas health centres are needed more than ever. 90% of the city was destroyed in the earthquake. Caritas provided emergency treatment during the first weeks after the disaster. ...