By Sarah Martin | Co-Founder/Director
Two weeks after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the south-western coast of Haiti, it was reported around 650,000 people needed emergency humanitarian assistance in the three most affected departments – Grand’Anse, Nippes and Sud.
Aftershocks continue to shake the Great South region, where at least 600 aftershocks have been recorded since August 14th. On January 11th, another earthquake was experienced in Southern Haiti forcing people to run from their homes at 1am; many spent the night outside or in tents fearing to return inside homes or buildings. This occurred 1 day before the anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake.
In Les Cayes, where LFBS is located, some streets are blocked at times by people who are afraid to return to their homes. There is continued insecurity in and around Port-au-Prince resulting in the capital being off limits for the LFBS team.
Recent activities
Emergency Relief & Recovery Program
In addition to our regular programming, we provide emergency relief when it is necessary. Our emergency programming after disasters includes emergency kit distribution, supporting local child protection authorities in their response to protect children and prevent trafficking and separation, psychosocial support for separated children, and mobilizing and distributing supplies to address the needs of the most deeply affected survivors. We prioritize emergency care to children, however we also work holistically with entire communities. Additionally, we provide long term recovery support through housing repairs and reconstruction, business reinforcement, and mental health support. LFBS was involved extensively in the emergency coordination after Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and we continue our emergency relief and recovery efforts in response to the August 14th, 2021earthquake.
Housing Assistance
Providing permanent, safe housing empowers families to build a self-sufficient future. When a child or family is referred to us by local authorities, we assess their overall state of vulnerability and work collaboratively to create a plan that empowers them with the resources and opportunities to strengthen the family unit. In cases where that plan includes housing, we work together with the family to determine the repairs or construction necessary. We assist in sourcing local materials and labor in an effort to support the Haitian economy, create employment opportunities, and ensure that our program benefits ripple outward toward the entire community.
Success Stories
Arnold was supported by LFBS to attend University. Arnold recently graduated from Agronomy, and is beyond grateful for this opportunity. We are incredibly proud and can’t wait to see what Arnold can accomplish with such a bright future ahead.
Eluxin is one of LFBS’ staff. He works as a child and youth mentor, however often goes above and beyond his responsibilities. Eluxin has been developing orientation tools that will help Haiti's youth in choosing what skill or trade they want to pursue. This provides them with reassuring guidance and helps them plan out how to achieve these goals.
Gawencha, another young man who spent several years in an abusive orphanage before being reunited with his family - now works with LFBS! Gawencha is a night guard at our transitional safehouse and has exceeded our expectations.
We are also proud to support 7 youth from vulnerable backgrounds who have been having weekly professional guidance & English classes through LFBS. Through these sessions we are working on preparing them for future job opportunities.
Through our post-earthquake construction projects, we've also been able to hire parents of children that LFBS works with and provide them with some temporary employment!
All names have been changed for confidentiality reasons
LFBS in the Media
For all our Yukon supporters, you can watch the documentary Not About Me is part of this year’s Available Light Film Festival (ALFF)* streaming online February 11-28th.
Please consider voting for the documentary for the ALFF Audience Award!
Educator Study Guide on International Development & Social Justice Issues
As part of the Impact Campaign accompanying the film Not About Me, the film producers and Morgan Wienberg have developed a companion study guide for educators focused on international development and social justice issues. This campaign aims to start conversations that create awareness about the issues and encourage people to redirect their generosity towards more sustainable, locally-led programs that address the root causes of family separation instead of institutionalizing children in orphanages.
Coming up on February 22nd, the film producers and Morgan will host a special screening and brief online conversation for educators (teachers/ professors) about the study guide. You can find more information, and share with educators in your networks here.
Thank you!
Thank you for being a part of our incredible community of supporters and donors. While the situation in Haiti remains complex, because of you, we are making real, impactful, and lasting changes in the lives of children, families, and communities. You are a partner in this work and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for your interest, support, and caring, and for being a catalyst for change.
Thank you for your shared commitment to our vision that every child in Haiti grows up in a safe, loving, and self-sustaining family.
Upcoming ways to support LFBS
Canada Called to End Support for Orphanage Volunteering
If you haven't already, we urge all Canadian supporters to sign the Parliamentary Petition requesting that the Canadian Government issue a travel advisory and information campaign to raise awareness on the damaging impacts of supporting and volunteering in orphanages (and promote alternatives). This is a first step in requesting accountability for Canada’s commitments under the Convention of the Rights of the Child to address child exploitation in orphanages. Canadians of all ages can sign the petition here.
Thank you for supporting our mission to keep families together by addressing the root causes of separation and poverty.
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