A major survey of nearly 1000 children in Haiti by Plan UK and the UNICEF charity has found that getting back to school is the number one target for most young people in the earthquake stricken region of Haiti. The Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) joint nationwide consultation has uncovered the truth behind people’s feelings and fears, and will be included in the blueprint for Haiti’s reconstruction plans.
The Haitian government has asked for $11.5 billion dollars to rebuild. Thanks to the PDNA, Plan believes that children and young people in Haiti should be given a voice in how this money is used. Having spoken to approximately 1,000 children across Haiti, the consultation topics ranged from gender, disability, vulnerability, education, access to services and disaster risk reduction.
Children are usually excluded from the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process, but this time they were encouraged to discuss their hopes and dreams for their future and that of the country itself. With 50% of Haiti’s population under 18, it is extremely important that their views are held in high regard alongside the opinions of Haiti’s adults.
One 16 year old boy said –
I sincerely hope to go back to school because I think one is nothing in life without knowledge. Before January 12, I received no training, no information on natural disasters. So I think that we have to better prepare for potential earthquakes, avoiding uncontrolled construction.
What Haitian young people wanted most in the assessment was to get back to school and continue with their education, alongside better housing, health, water and transport. Other concerns included a lack of preparation for future disasters, and for better services in the provinces.
> > Click here to download the Post Disaster Needs Assessment document
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You can help raise funds for Plan’s ongoing work by sponsoring a child. Currently working in some of the world’s poorest countries, Plan make long term improvements to the lives of children through working in local communities. With each sponsorship comes –
- Welcome pack including information and pictures about your child
- Receive at least one letter, note or drawing from your child
- 2 Editions of World Family Magazine
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