'We need education, jobs and a say in the future' - survey of young Haitians finds
30 March 2010: Getting ‘back to school’ is the number one wish for most young people in quake-stricken Haiti, a major survey has found.
The views of nearly 1,000 children were sought in the joint nationwide survey by children’s organisations Plan International and UNICEF. The findings are now hoped to be included in the blueprint for Haiti’s reconstruction plans ahead of a major conference at the United Nations in New York this week.
Plan, UNICEF and other children’s organisations say it is vital the hopes, wants and needs of young people are heard in the reconstruction process.
The Haitian government is asking for $11.5 billion dollars to rebuild, and Plan believes that children and young people in Haiti should have a say in how this money is used for this young nation.
Children's hopes and dreams
Plan spoke to approximately 1,000 children across Haiti through children friendly focus groups. The groups ranged in age and focused on issues such as gender, disability, vulnerability, education, access to services and disaster risk reduction. Children were encouraged to discuss their hopes and dreams for their futures and the future of their country.
Normally, children and young people are excluded from the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) process. However, as half of Haiti’s population is below the age of 18, it is extremely important that the development of Haiti ensures that a positive difference is made in their lives.
Plan found that what Haitian young people wanted the most right now is to get back to school and their education. Also high on their list were better housing, health, water and transport. They expressed a desire for better services in the provinces and less focus on the already crowded and over-stretched capital of Port-au-Prince. And among their concerns were security and worries that they are not prepared for future disasters.
Knowledge is key
“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,” said one 16-year-old boy.
Another girl said: “I wish this were the moment of change in Haiti. We must create jobs for young people... because they are the future of this country.”
Best opportunity in a generation
“If the money is available, this will be the best opportunity in a generation to improve the situation there and reduce the underlying vulnerability that caused such a serious crisis. The reconstruction process needs to address the priorities voiced by children if it is to realise long term benefits,” said Roger Yates, Director of Disaster Risk Management at Plan International
Plan will help Haitian children bring their ideas to important decision makers of the PDNA, on 31 March in New York. Participants in this donor meeting include representatives of the Haitian government, international experts, and representatives from the World Bank. There will also be an event involving a number of NGOs and hosted by the BBC’s Matthew Price on 30 March (details below).
Download the full consultation report:
- Anticipating the future: Children and young people's voices in Haiti's Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) (700 kb, 32 pages)
A Haiti fit for Children – 30 March from 1pm - Venue: Labouisse Hall, UNICEF House, New York.
Participants include UNICEF, Plan, World Vision, Oxfam, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Villages and others.
To arrange interviews with Plan staff please contact:
Robin Costello
Director of Communications
Plan USA
Cell: 401-829-2796
Office: 401-738-5600, ext. 1318
robin.costello@planusa.org
Kristie van de Wetering
Public Relations Coordinator
Kristie.vandeWetering@plan-international.org
Plan Haiti, Port-au-Prince
Tel: +509 34 56 27 99
To obtain a copy of the report or for photo and video requests, please contact:
Claire Diamond
Press officer for the Americas
Claire.diamond@plan-international.org
Plan International Headquarters, UK
Tel: +44 1483 733 330
During the consultation Plan spoke to children and youth in nine departments across Haiti, including; West, North East, South East, Artibonite, Nippes, South, North West, Grand Anse and Central Plateau.
Plan International has raised over $30 million globally for its Haiti appeal. Plan’s Haiti response includes:
- food aid distribution , water and sanitation projects, temporary schools, anti-trafficking projects
Plan, has operated in Haiti for 37 years and currently has projects in the following areas: Beudet, Cayes-Jacmel, Croix-des-Bouquets, Dolney, Fort-Liberté, Frères, Jacmel, Lavallée, Ouanaminthe, Trou-du-Nord.
