Young Haitians just want to get back to school
18 March 2010: What young Haitians want most right now is to get back to school, according to a consultation of about 1,000 children by Plan as part of its efforts to give Haitian children a voice in the redevelopment of their earthquake ravaged country.
In partnership with UNICEF, Plan led a consultation with children to ensure that their voices would be heard in the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), which has been set up by the Haitian government to detail reconstruction plans to international donors.
The government is asking for US$11.5 billion to rebuild, and Plan believes that children and young people in Haiti should have a say in how this money is used.
Children's voices
Plan is making sure that children's voices are heard in Haiti's disaster recovery plans
Plan spoke to 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.
Traditionally, children and young people are excluded from the decision making process in Haiti. 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 transformation is made in their lives.
“I wish that schools will start again where there will be good education, where children learn in safety and can study without fear," said 15-year-old quake survivor Yvenie Pierre.
Daphmika, aged 15, said: “I want rights of children to be respected and all children to know what their rights are. I also want everyone to have access to education.”
Long-term benefits
"The reconstruction process needs to address the priorities voiced by children if it is to realise long-term benefits,” said Roger Yates, Plan's Director of Disaster Risk Management.
Plan is hoping to take 2 child representatives to the PDNA donor meeting on 31 March in New York, where participants will include representatives of the Haitian government, international experts, and representatives from the World Bank.
Read about Plan’s work with Haiti’s Ministry of Education to help rebuild the country’s shattered education system and get children back to school.
Download the full consultation report:
