Local support helps Tearfund make a difference in Haiti
Northern Ireland MEP Jim Nicholson has just returned from leading a delegation of parliamentarians from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and countries of the Pacific to survey the ongoing reconstruction work in Haiti. During his visit he met the Haitian Prime Minister and President and representatives from a number of aid agencies, including Tearfund. These are his reflections on the visit.
"No briefings or media bulletins could have prepared me for the devastation I witnessed in Haiti. For those at home, for whom Haiti is something that happened in January, the truth is that 'Haiti' is still happening each and every day. There is no doubt that those who continue to suffer, and those still working hard to re-build this shattered country, face an uphill struggle.
However, the commitment of the NGOs in Port-au-Prince and beyond has achieved much and makes a daily difference to the lives of men, women and children, many of whom lost loved ones in the earthquake. With up on 50% of civil servants in some of the government ministries dead, the work of these NGOs is vital.
Tearfund and their partners kindly met with me within an hour of my arrival. I was struck by their efforts - particularly how local churches are providing short-term relief alongside long-term development. Working with organisations such as churches who were already on the ground long before the earthquake struck can be an effective and efficient way to get aid directly to the people most in need.
Meeting with people at the coalface is vital; they tell you straight where the bottlenecks are and I heard exactly how they believed any logjams should be resolved. And of course you hear the success stories, the difference that aid has made and can make to the most vulnerable. The meeting with Tearfund was extremely valuable and I was able to take the information and feed it directly into my discussions with President René Preval and Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive.
The big challenge Haiti is facing is how to move from humanitarian aid to reconstruction. There has been some progress since January. Local Haitians say that it is now easier to move around the city as some rubble has been removed and reconstruction is underway, but of course this will all take time. Arterial routes are being created, which will not only facilitate agricultural produce being brought to market, but will enable industries to spread out beyond urban centres. Importantly, excellent work is being done in empowering Haitians to participate and be the main actors in the rebuilding process through ‘cash for work’ schemes. For adults this offers a sense of investment in their future, as well as the self-esteem that comes with independence and providing for your family. Additionally, matters relating to health, sanitation, accommodation and psycho-social care in addition to increasing access to education will remain central.
I have the utmost admiration for those working hard in the face of natural devastation. Witnessing what appears to be growing violence in the camps, particularly towards women, and the prospect of a potentially volatile election in November, their contribution must not be undervalued. These are brave men and women who bring aid and assistance to those who need it most.
The people of Northern Ireland have been very generous with their money and time and it was heartening to see some of the outcomes of that generosity. I will certainly do all in my power to continue to give as much support as is possible. The people of Haiti have not just suffered an earthquake. It is merely the most recent event to affect a country which has been plagued by years of poverty and poor governance. The situation in Haiti is dire but I believe that - thanks to the good work of many and indeed the sterling efforts of Tearfund and their partners – there remains hope."
Jim Nicholson, MEP