I walked through the Petionville Club today. It was a country club until 3 weeks ago, and now it is the refuge for over 80,000 displaced people. The makeshift homes built out of sticks, tarps and blankets are barely able to withstand strong wind much less the anticipated rains of the upcoming hurricane season. Many organizations are working in this camp, including a strong presence of the US military, yet there are so many severe problems. I am concerned by the lack of coordination between agencies. We are beginning to talk with several communities within these larger camps in and around Delmas and Boudon. They are eager for us to provide the materials needed for child-friendly spaces, and we are gaining so much support with funders. We had an overwhelming turnout of 70 childcare providers here for a training on integrated educational and healing methodologies, and they will in turn train others at these camps. Tarps, ropes, wood, supplies have been ordered and we are ready to start building!
Spending my birthday in Port-au-Prince has been one of the biggest gifts of my life. I am thankful for everything I have learned here from my co-volunteers, Haitians and foreigners, and the spirit of determination and hope radiates ever luminously in a city that is covered in dust and debris. I have one wish for my birthday... of course you can guess what it is!
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