Haiti
Haiti has shared the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic since its division in 1843. It was the world's first black-led republic and the first Caribbean state to achieve independence. However Haiti remains the poorest country in the western hemisphere perpetuated by decades of the dictatorship, civil conflict and violence.
In 1994 economic sanctions and US-led military intervention forced a return to constitutional government after years of military de facto regime. UN peacekeeping forces remained in Haiti from 1995 until 2000. However Haiti is still plagued by violent confrontations between rival gangs and political groups and at the request of the Haitian interim government, a UN stabilisation force has remained in the country since 2004.
The economy has severely suffered from ongoing conflict and insecurity. Rampant inflation, a lack of foreign investment, and a severe trade deficit has resulted in widespread poverty. Great inequalities in the distribution of wealth further exacerbate economic problems. Haiti’s development also continues to be hampered by natural disasters, which are increasing in frequency and severity in this area.
Some of the reasons Plan works in Haiti
- More than 1 in 9 children die before reaching the age of five
- Nearly 20% of children suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition
- Nearly half of children do not go to primary school
- 60% of rural communities suffer from chronic food insecurity
- Two thirds of the population does not have has access to adequate sanitation facilities
|
|
Tina's first visit to Haiti
A Plan programme to promote better understanding between people living near the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti recently gave one teenager the chance to find out more about her near neighbours and dispel some myths |
 |
|
|
|
A future made of painted iron
With help from Plan, one Haitian artist has turned his skill with scrap metal into a thriving business which provides employment for 30 families in the town of Croix-des-Bouquets |
|
|
Children speak out against violence
In a growing number of communities in Haiti, many children have been affected by violence and their communuties tainted. As an attempt to raise awareness on these issues, children supported by Plan have organised a forum on violence issues affecting them |
|
|
|
|
Girls first in Haiti
Girls First, a Plan-supported project is helping parents to better educate their children and gives girls and young mothers the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and information necessary to face life's challenges |
|
|
Tropical Storm Jeanne - Update October
Since our last update, Plan has been actively taking part in meetings at the United Nations Development Programme to co-ordinate and help with all the relief efforts. Plan has been appointed as a member of the Water and Sanitation group after assessment of the pressing needs in the city of Gonaïves. |
|
|
The power of radio in Haiti
In a small town in north-west Haiti, children and parents are leaning new ways to communicate, thanks to a half-hour radio program ¿Our Own Voice' |
|
|
;)