6 April 2010: Although my 3 weeks in Haiti has passed very quickly, much activity has taken place in that amount of time! 

For starters, I was involved in preparations leading up to the re-opening of schools in Haiti by 5 April, which the Haitian government had strongly been urging.  Many schools in the south-east around Jacmel were already back in session before then, using large tents provided by Plan. 

For other schools, especially those around the earthquake-affected area of Croix-des-Bouquets, right outside of Port-au-Prince, resuming classes on 5 April was somewhat of an unrealistic goal, given the physical conditions of the region. 

Back to school campaign

However, Plan is still preparing the groundwork to get children back in to school as soon as possible, including launching our ’Back to School’ campaign aimed at educators, parents, and students. 

Our primary message is that education is now more important than ever, not only in providing learning opportunities but also to ensure children have a safe and secure place in which they can re-establish normal routines and continue recovering from the psychological distress experienced in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Plan support

Hanna (left) with participants on Plan's cash for work scheme

On my last day in Haiti, I visited one of the schools near Croix-des-Bouquets that Plan will be supporting with temporary classrooms.  The school was hit hard by the earthquake; one block of classrooms was completely destroyed and the rest are too damaged to use. 

In order for children to resume their classes as soon as possible, they need access to a safe place where they can feel comfortable and confident to learn. Teachers and other school personnel need safe spaces too, as well as access to the basic equipment and materials they need to work effectively.

Temporary schools

Before the classrooms can be put in place, the site for the temporary school must first be cleared. Rubble has to be removed and separate latrines for girls and boys must be dug. I went to visit the team of parents and community members who are working as part of Plan’s cash for work programme to prepare the school site.

Men and women from the local community were working together to ready the space so that their children can go back to school.  Although this school didn’t open its doors on 5 April, Plan is working with partners including the Ministry of Education, teachers, parents and community members to ensure that when it does, children will have a safe and secure space to continue their education.

View pictures of Plan's education work.

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