Recovery efforts in Haiti continue as rainy season approaches

Nearly two months after the earthquake hit Haiti on January 12th, Plan continues to work diligently to respond to the needs of children and families. To date, Plan has committed $29.8 million to the recovery effort with an additional $9.3 million pending.

Heavy rains increase the need for emergency aid

With the rainy season set to arrive in Haiti in just a few weeks, shelter that can withstand wind and rain continues to be a top priority. Heavy rains in the last week have already caused flooding and mudslides, in turn increasing the demand for shelter, as well as damage to already affected buildings and roads.

In response, Plan has continued to distribute tents to provide housing to displaced children and families. Plan has been working closely with other organizations to select new sites for housing, and to improve registration, overcrowding, and other issues associated with temporary camps already in place. Plan has also continued to set up mobile toilets and showers, and in several sites, has installed water and drainage systems.

Meetings have taken place to evaluate cash-for-work programs to aid in the emergency response. Three sites have been selected so far, with job activities that include removal of debris and site preparation for temporary schools, preparation of gardens for planting, cleaning of streets and drainage canals, and repairing roads.

Plan works to get children back in school

Rebuilding Haiti’s education system also remains one of Plan’s biggest priorities. There is a tentative school start-up date of April 1st, and Plan has been working to evaluate sites for temporary, rain and hurricane-resistant schoolrooms and teachers’ quarters. Supplies, backpacks and early childhood development kits have also been procured.

Psychosocial activities in child-friendly spaces have continued over the past two months, and more child-friendly spaces have been set up to protect children and provide support.

Plan has also been leading the child participation consultation for the Post Disasters Needs Assessment (PDNA), which aims to facilitate the voices of Haitian children. Focus group discussions and workshop have been held to hear children’s key messages with regards to the relief and recovery process in Haiti.

Donate today to support long-term recovery efforts in Haiti.