HAC-Haiti Remembers January 12, 2010
Today, we remember the lives of those who perished in the historic 7.0 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010. This being one of the largest earthquakes in recent history, with over 300 thousand casualties and millions of residents displaced, it naturally brought on media attention worldwide. Immediately following the disaster, large amounts of money, food, volunteers, medical supplies and many other donations poured into Haiti. However, the disaster relief was only the beginning of a larger effort to rebuild a better, stronger Haiti.
Two years later, the nation is undergoing a slow recovery and is still being affected by developmental and economic barriers that existed prior to the 2010 earthquake. Despite the lack of media attention on Haiti now, word is still getting out that the country is in need of assistance. Many foreign and local NGOs are operating in Haiti, working diligently to create sustainable solutions for Haitians who have been afflicted by poverty before and after the 2010 earthquake.
Recent studies show that over 40% of Haitian families lack access to or cannot afford proper health care and nutrition. In addition, approximately 3 million residents do not have reliable access to safe drinking water and over 8 million are affected daily by the poor sanitation in their communities. We know that there is no overnight solution to addressing the socioeconomic issues in any underdeveloped nation. Therefore, organizations like the Haitian American Caucus have taken a holistic, long-term approach to facing these challenges, amongst others in Haiti today.
Led by Country Director, Samuel Darguin, who returned to Haiti following the earthquake, the Haitian American Caucus continues to expand its efforts in Haiti to promote community development offering programs in literacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, microfinance, woman's empowerment and after school education. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, HAC-Haiti has been able to build on its mission and is working to bring about long term, sustainable development solutions for the people of Haiti.
As we remember our loved ones and countrymen today, let us not forget that we are a people resilient in nature. Through tragedy, trial and tribulation we must continue to build and rebuild our nation and it’s strong character. Le a rivé!
To get involved with HAC-Haiti please e-mail us at the following:
** See Samuel Darguin and HAC featured on www.theroot.com **
