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• Plan International takes the views of Haitian children to donor conference in New York
• Young people usually excluded from reconstruction efforts
• Children’s NGOs say it is vital that the hopes, wants and needs of children are taken seriously

GETTING ‘back to school’ is the number one wish for most young people in quake-stricken Haiti, a major survey has found.

The views of nearly 1000 children were sought in the joint nationwide survey by children’s organisations Plan International and UNICEF. It is hoped that the findings will be included in the blueprint for Haiti’s reconstruction plans ahead of a major international donors’ conference at the United Nations in New York this week.

Plan, UNICEF and other children’s organisations say it is vital the hopes, wants and needs of young people are heard in the reconstruction process.

The Haitian government is asking for $11.5 billion dollars to rebuild, and Plan believes that children and young people in Haiti should have a say in how this money is used for this young nation.

Plan spoke to about 1000 children across Haiti through child-friendly focus groups. The groups ranged in age and focused on issues such as gender, disability, vulnerability, education, access to services and disaster risk reduction. Children were encouraged to discuss their hopes and dreams for their futures and the future of their country.

Normally, children and young people are excluded from the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process. However, as half of Haiti’s population is below the age of 18, it is extremely important that the development of Haiti ensures that a positive difference is made in their lives.

Plan found that what Haitian young people wanted the most right now is to get back to school and their education. Also high on their list were better housing, health, water and transport. They expressed a desire for better services in the provinces and less focus on the already crowded and over-stretched capital of Port-au-Prince.

And among their concerns were security and worries that they are not prepared for future disasters.

“I sincerely hope to go back to school because I think one is nothing in life without knowledge. Before January 12, I received no training, no information on natural disasters. So I think that we have to better prepare for potential earthquakes, avoiding uncontrolled construction,” said one 16-year-old boy.

Another girl said: “I wish this were the moment of change in Haiti. We must create jobs for young people ... because they are the future of this country.”

“If the money is available, this will be the best opportunity in a generation to improve the situation and reduce the underlying vulnerability that caused such a serious crisis,” said Roger Yates, Director of Disaster Risk Management at Plan International. “The reconstruction process needs to address the priorities voiced by children if it is to realize long-term benefits,”

Plan will help Haitian children bring their ideas to important decision makers of the PDNA at the March 31 meeting in New York. Participants in this donor meeting include representatives of the Haitian Government, international experts, and representatives from the World Bank. There will also be an event involving a number of NGOs and hosted by the BBC’s Matthew Price on March 30, called A Haiti fit for Children.

ENDS

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EDITOR'S NOTES:

Plan International has an Australian staff member in Haiti available for interview.

Penny Jones is working as Plan Haiti’s Deputy Emergency Program Manager.

Glenn Bond, Plan International Australia’s Program Effectiveness Manager, has also just returned from Haiti after a short-term secondment.

To arrange an interview with Glenn or Penny, or other Plan staff in Haiti, please contact:

David Cook
Media Officer
Plan International Australia
Mob: 0448 816 900
Email: david.cook@plan.org.au

Or

Kristie van de Wetering
Public Relations Coordinator
Kristie.vandeWetering@plan-international.org
Plan Haiti, Port-au-Prince
Tel: +509 34 56 27 99

To arrange interviews with Plan staff at the New York conference please contact:

Robin Costello
Director of Communications
Plan USA
Cell: 401-829-2796
Office: 401-738-5600, ext. 1318
robin.costello@planusa.org

Additional materials

Broadcast quality footage from Haiti is available for download via YouSendIt. Please contact David Cook for more information about the footage.

For images, film, stories and other supporting materials, contact David Cook.

For a full copy of the report into the survey, contact David Cook.

Background Notes:

During the consultation Plan spoke to children and youth in nine departments across Haiti, including: West, North East, South East, Artibonite, Nippes, South, North West, Grand Anse and Central Plateau.

Plan International has raised more than $US30 million globally for its Haiti appeal. Plan’s Haiti response includes: food aid distribution, water and sanitation projects, temporary schools and anti-trafficking projects.

Plan has operated in Haiti for 37 years and currently has projects in the following areas: Beudet, Cayes-Jacmel, Croix-des-Bouquets, Dolney, Fort-Liberté, Frères, Jacmel, Lavallée, Ouanaminthe, Trou-du-Nord.