Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of the population live in abject poverty, half of all primary school aged children do not attend school, and ¼ of all infants had a low birth weight. Most people living in rural areas lack access to basic needs such as clean water and sanitation facilities.
On January 12th, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti and devastated the capital city, Port-au-Prince. Over 220,000 people were killed. Many people were left homeless, also ruined were businesses, Parliament and the Presidential Palace. In the months following the earthquake there was a Cholera outbreak, killing many more people across the country. The country is attempting to recover and rebuild. There are nearly one million people are still homeless, living in 'tent cities'.
Issues children face in Haiti:
- Coughs and Colds
- Typhoid Fever
- Malaria
- Malnutrition
- Tuberculosis
- Worms
- Diarrhoea
- Single Parent Families
- STD's
Many communities in Haiti are in desperate need for schools, qualified teachers, employment opportunities, vocational training, scholastic materials, proper sanitation improved infrastructure and medical facilities.
Compassion International began work in Haiti in 1968. Over 60,000 children participate in around 233 Child Development Centres. Compassion Australia assists over 4,400 of these children. Currently 87 Haitian students are enrolled in the Leadership Development Program, and around 49 Child Survival Programs are in operation in Haiti.
To sponsor a child in Haiti, and change their life, please click here
