3 more days in Haiti
It’s been a while since I have been written the last time. It was a really hectic time – many things happened. I was working with a journalist almost every day. Her name is Alice, she is Italien, living in the US. She went back home today and Natacha went to the DR. So I am alone in this house, except from a few of Natachas friends and finally find some time to write on my blog again.
The situation in Haiti is still really hard for many people. Thousands and thousands of refugees live in tent-cities and are in danger of being killed during the next big rainy storm. The UN is building alternative refugee camps outside of the city, where they are building small houses that are hurricane stable. But the first camp which will be ready by the end of April will only have space for 3000-5000 people. There are more than a hundred thousands refugees. And how do you decide which people can move there and who can’t?
Last weekend when we came back from Leogane, we saw some areas that didn’t even have tents at all – only self built houses made out of fabrics, that are not waterproof at all. Every time it rains, these people can’t help but get completely wet. There is nowhere to go, nowhere to stand - to escape the rain. I talked to the leader of their “little village” and he told me that since the earthquake no group, no charity, not anyone came to see and help them. They were completely on their own.
So last Sunday I went there and brought waterproof awnings for 10 families. These awnings are really expensive at the moment, because everyone tries to get one.
photos ©alice speri
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On Friday and Saturday I spent my time helping 4 families to rebuilt their stand on the market that they used to have before the earthquake. They were so happy and thankful, it was wonderful to see.
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My time in Haiti is almost over, I am sad to leave, but happy to go back home and glad to come back here soon.
Leogane, Haiti