Hygiene Kit Distribution

This video is a great example of how wonderful things can happen when people come together to support a cause. The victims of the January 12th earthquake lost more than their homes; they lost the ability to provide their families with things that are essential to everyday living. As part of a side project, our goal was to collect hygiene related items to send to the people of Haiti who lost their homes.

We would like to send a big Thank You to Aleck and Gislain Magny for being a blessing to this project and helping us with the distribution of the hygiene kits.

Spread the word, not the virus

Who would have thought that it could take only one day for a country to lose 17 years of progress in its battle against HIV/AIDS?  Not only were the Haitian people receiving medical treatment, but they were also learning how to treat themselves and prevent the spread of the virus.

After the January 12th earthquake, the people of Haiti who suffer from HIV/AIDS lost the ability to seek medical treatment. Along with that, there has been an increasing rate of sexual violence against women and young girls in the settlement camps which increases the spread of the virus exponentially.

You can read the article from the Pilitzer Center to learn more about the spread of HIV/AIDS.

We can all make a difference! Spread the word and raise awareness

To Serve and Protect

What does it mean to be a member of law enforcement? One would have to uphold the law and be an ideal example of "citizenship". One would have to protect the members of his community no matter how difficult the circumstances. Everyone's safety is important and every cry for help is heard.

How would you feel if you were to enter a police station, after having been raped, and have the officer tell you that you should have done more to stop your attacker?

In Port-au-Prince, and surrounding cities, there are countless women and young girls who have experienced this exact scenario and were made to feel horrible for having "let themselves" be victims. The women are left to live knowing that their attacker is free to do whatever he pleases with, at most, a slap on the wrist (if they are even caught).  Can you believe that in Haiti rape has only been against the law since 2005?

You can read articles from USA Today , Yahoo News and AOL News to read first hand accounts of these horrifying experiences.

It is the beginning of a new year and Haitians everywhere have celebrated Haitian Independence. They have been reminded that the nation of Haiti was formed by strong people who have triumphed over hardships.  The anniversary of the January 12th earthquake is here, and there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to rebuild the nation and help it survive.

We need to stand together to make a difference in Haiti.  Everyone has the power to help Haiti reclaim its 1804 victory by supporting various organizations that are committed to doing the same.  Here are some organizations that are already doing great work in Haiti:

Partners In Health

YELE

KOFAVIV

MADRE

Fonkoze