Haiti Earthquake Update

Children take part in psycho-social support play session in a local school in Crois De Bouquets, facilitated by Plan youth volunteers.

The January 12th earthquake in Haiti killed about 230,000 people and displaced more than one million, with children among the most vulnerable. Two months after the quake, Plan International has a program in place for the next 18 months covering two key areas – child protection and education – strongly supported by health and livelihoods.

Internationally, Plan has raised more than US$30 million for the people of Haiti, ensuring a long term commitment to rebuilding the country.

In Australia, your generosity has been evidenced by donations and grants totalling in excess of A$1 million.

The response to date has included:

• Food aid distribution
• Water and sanitation projects
• Emergency education in the form of temporary schools
• Child Protection including Anti-trafficking projects.

In the months since the earthquake, Plan together with other agencies, provided waterproof shelter materials to more than 650,000 people, and this continues to be a priority ahead of the upcoming rainy season. The aim is to deliver two tarpaulins per family by 1 May.

Child Friendly Spaces have been implemented to assist children and their families re-establish routine in their lives.  These areas provide a safe haven for children as they recover from stress and also allow parents time to begin re-building their lives, knowing their children are safe.

More recently, Plan - in partnership with UNICEF  - have consulted children throughout the country to ensure their voices are heard during current assessments.  Their message is clear, they want to get back to school as quickly as possible, pass their exams and get jobs in Haiti! Plan is working toward schools reopening on April 5.

Investing in education is an investment in the future of the country.

Currently, two staff members from Australia are assisting Plan International with the disaster response.  They are Glenn Bond, our Program Effectiveness Manager and Penny Jones, who is working as Deputy Emergency Program Manager.  In the brief conversations we have had since their deployment, both have commented that the road to recovery will be challenging and conditions for staff and the people of Haiti continue to be difficult.

The effects of the earthquake on children, their caregivers and communities will continue for months to years during the extended process of recovery, reconstruction and restoration.

Plan International recognises this, and having been in Haiti for 37 years, is committed to the long term future of the country. We look forward to keeping you up to date on the recovery process in the months and years ahead.