11 February 2010

Haiti: A nation in mourning

  1. Following the 12 January earthquake, many Haitians are now living in camps using tarps provided by World Vision.
  2. Children smile as they peer out of a makeshift tent, provided by World Vision after a 7.0 magnitude quake hit the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince on 12 January 2010.
  3. Fabiola, aged 8, is glad that tarps provided by World Vision help keep out the rain. Her family’s home was damaged in the January 12 earthquake.
  4. Cooking kits provided by World Vision are distributed to earthquake survivors in Haiti, following the earthquake that struck the capital on 12 January 2010.
  5. Yulisa, aged 8, hides under a blanket, her attempt to escape from the blazing sun. There has been little protection from the sun and rain since her home was completely flattened in the worst earthquake to hit Haiti for 200 years.
  6. A food distribution point set up for earthquake survivors by World Vision following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010.
  7. A boy receives a meal provided by World Vision, along with wheat, soy and oil at a World Vision distribution point in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
  8. Rigest, aged 9, enjoys his meal of pasta, provided by World Vision in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
  9. 4-year-old Schneily receives medical treatment after she was injured in the earthquake on 12 January 2010. World Vision has supplied the hospital with medical supplies, drinking water and logistical support.
  10. Children in the first of six Child Friendly Spaces, at Camp Accra where World Vision has donated tarps, blankets, cook kits, drinking water and food.

Thursday 11 February, 2010

Four weeks after the 7.0 magnitude catastrophic earthquake devastated Haiti, survivors need more than ongoing physical relief such as food and shelter.

More than 9 out of 10 people surveyed by World Vision have lost loved ones, including friends, extended or close family. Access to the basics of life and some sense of control is an essential part of coping with loss, according to World Vision.

World Vision spoke to 150 people across three sites in Port-au-Prince, where we are providing emergency supplies and services to children and families. More than 40% of people have lost an immediate family member, while 14% said multiple members of their immediate family had been killed by the quake.

“Haiti is a nation in mourning,” said World Vision’s Child Protection Specialist Sian Platt. “People have not just lost homes, jobs and everything they own, they are somehow trying to come to terms with the death of those who loved and supported them.

“Everyone mourns in different ways,” says Platt. “But it cannot be underestimated how important the wellbeing of families is in the rebuilding of Haiti,” said Platt.

As part of the relief effort, World Vision has established Child Friendly Spaces across Port-au-Prince in order to provide children with a sense of normalcy and routine in such a chaotic environment.

In partnership with UNICEF, World Vision will work across large parts Haiti to trace and reunify children with their families.

Syndia, 8, is now living with neighbours after her parents were killed on 12 January. “When the earthquake hit, the house was broken and destroyed,” she said. “Mum and Dad were inside and they died.

“I cry every day,” she said. “I cannot sleep. I think of my Mum.”

Elda Rosier, 45, said: “It has touched us very deep. We still dream about what happened. Very often my heart beats fast and I have a headache.”

World Vision will continue to work with families to restore social structures and a sense of normality, reinstating community services and structures, as well as rebuilding family and community networks.

Read latest updates about World Vision’s response and children sponsored by Australians here.

You can donate to the Haiti earthquake appeal here.

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bella walker
Oct 16, 2010

“i feel terribly sorry for these poor children and families who have to go through these situations ”

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