Haiti children in desperate need of food and water

On January 12, 2020 we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the tragic earthquake in Haiti. 

We would like to share with you a few paragraphs from the REFLECTIONS ON THE END OF A DECADE IN HAITI, by Fr Rick Frechette, that summarize the long and terrible suffering of the people of Haiti during the last ten years.

Here in Haiti, a very tiny part of a world-wide narrative, we are closing ten years of profound suffering and tragedy.

The decade began for us with an earthquake so devastating, that it caused more death and destruction than the two atomic bombs the ended World War II, combined.

Then, before even a year passed, we were plagued with a relentless scourge of cholera. 

At our centers alone, we received over 100 people each day, for months, and then reduced numbers, for years.

As we dealt with these whirlwinds of pain and death, we were hit with a number of tropical storms and the massive Hurricane Matthew, which brought devastation in Southwest Haiti to two million people, their homes, and their farms.

Also, during this score of years, the value of Haitian currency slowly declined, and then more rapidly, such that by 2019, the gourde had lost two thirds of its value. 

Over the same period of the loss of buying power, it cost 20% more to stay alive.

As this poor and wounded nation struggled to deal with all of this, crime rose steadily, within institutions and on the streets, and finally chaos prevailed, as the whole country suffered violent public convulsions, that have shaken Haiti profoundly, for the last 17 months.

People openly ask, “Where are the voices to scream out against this terrible suffering? as the whole country suffered violent public convulsions, that have shaken Haiti profoundly, for the last 17 months.

People openly ask, “Where are the voices to scream out against this terrible suffering?

The country still lacks a drinking water distribution system, an essential asset for the survival of the local population. Families have to travel kilometers to reach rivers, which are often polluted, accessible water sources or buy water. Father Rick Frechette, first line physician and guide of NPH Haiti and the Saint Luc Foundation, and his team distribute 90,000 liters of water with 2 tank trucks every day, 6 days a week, donating them to the poorest families of the slums.  

Even with a minimal gesture you can achieve a great result, which has a concrete effect on the lives of many people.

Thank you for listening to the scream of the Haitian children.