Photograph: Two survivors who found shelter after the earthquake one year ago. Picture courtesy of Mark Pearson, ShelterBox.
One year on from the Haiti earthquake, communities are still coming to terms with the loss of life and of livelihoods. Measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, the tremors hit Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas on the 12th of January 2010 with such force that virtually nothing was left standing. An estimated 230,000 people lost their lives and over a million people are still believed to be homeless. Even now, many families are still living in emergency tents.
The immediate aftermath saw one of the largest fundraising responses by Rotary clubs from across Great Britain & Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of the public, Rotarians raised an incredible ÂŁ3m in the first three months of 2010 for Rotary-supported boxes including ShelterBox,Water Survival Box and Aquabox. Just as quickly, work began on creating long-term solutions. The Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) Donations Trust set up a fund specifically for Haiti, which will only be used to support sustainable projects that go beyond immediate needs.
Rotarians the world over are continuing to work alongside fellow Rotarians in Haiti. It is thanks to this pre-existing network that rapid-response boxes were able to be distributed quickly and efficiently. Through fundraising, visiting the area for building projects and talking to communities, Rotarians are helping Haiti to help itself by understanding needs. This commitment to Haiti has always being in place. Prior to the earthquake, there were over 30 educational and humanitarian projects underway.
There is no overnight fix. Rotary is committed to supporting Haiti through long-term projects which include a new Rotary Jaipur Limb centre in the grounds of a hospital in Pignon. Poorer countries have higher than average figures for amputations due to accidents at work. The earthquake increased those figures even more with many victims being young children who will need additional care as they outgrow their artificial limbs.
The Rotary Jaipur Limb Project, and several other Rotary supported plans, is starting to make a real difference to the many who are in need of help. It has also been asked to create a permanent training centre for new technicians who will safeguard the future of this care project.
Thanks to the long-term commitment of humanitarian organisations, including Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI), there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.
If you would like to help rebuild lives, visit the RIBI Donations Trust or contact your local Rotary club.
Published: Monday 10th January 2011
