Rédaction Africa Links 24 with BBC
Published on 2024-03-21 10:16:55
Sarah Molin’s story is a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by the people of Haiti. A year ago, she was a computer science student living in a suburb of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. However, the deteriorating state of the country has hit the youth population the hardest.
Following the murder of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, Haiti plunged into months of political instability and turmoil, leading to a surge in extreme gang violence. Sarah and her family were among the victims of this violence, forced to flee their home and seek refuge in an abandoned cinema with around 100 other families. Living conditions in the condemned building are dire, with no sewerage, running water, or proper sanitation. Food scarcity is a constant struggle, leaving many residents hungry and malnourished.
Sarah, caring for her baby godson, describes the daily hardships they face, including illness and lack of access to medication. The family’s food budget is meager, and they often rely on donations and aid to survive. However, the aid distribution process can be degrading, as Sarah feels humiliated by the patronizing attitudes of some aid providers.
The situation in Haiti has resulted in over 360,000 internally displaced people, with many seeking refuge in cities like Cap-Haitien. While the city offers relative calm compared to Port-au-Prince, it still struggles to meet the infrastructure needs of its own population, especially in water and power supply.
Jeselin Joseph, a six-month-old baby, was fortunate to receive care at a malnutrition center in Cap-Haitien, where he was nursed back to health. Organizations like Second Mile provide support to families in need, offering nutrition education and follow-up visits to ensure long-term well-being.
Despite international pledges of aid, concerns remain about the effectiveness of aid distribution in Haiti. Local NGOs like Second Mile fear that larger organizations may prioritize short-term solutions over sustainable, long-term support, jeopardizing the progress made in rebuilding communities.
Haiti’s ongoing crisis threatens the future of its people, including young students like Sarah who have had to abandon their education to prioritize survival. The vicious cycle of violence, homelessness, and hunger continues to afflict millions, underscoring the urgent need for sustained international support and cooperation to uplift the people of Haiti from the depths of despair.
Read the original article on The Namibian
