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Haiti’s $23 Million Deficit and Crippling Gang Violence

Haiti's $23 million defecit Gang violence is escalating in Haiti, presenting severe challenges for the government in funding basic education nationwide. The United Nations (U.N.) Fund reports that Haiti’s $23 million deficit is resulting in shortages of essential school supplies and necessities like chairs, blackboards and bathrooms.

The Impact of Gang Violence

The U.N. estimates that gang violence affects 2.7 million Haitians, including more than 600,000 children. Since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise, gang activity has surged dramatically. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, gangs killed or injured 2,500 Haitians, a 53% increase from the previous reporting period. Gangs frequently target institutions, including schools, exacerbating poverty across the country. For example, in March, escalating violence forced the closure of the main port in Port-au-Prince, cutting off food supplies and leaving millions hungry.

A Lack of Safety in Schools

In Haiti’s school systems, many teachers are forced to pay gangs to ensure the safety of their students. In Sept. 2021, seven schools paid these armed gangs. With already scarce funding, such payments leave schools lacking essential teaching tools. By the end of Jan. 2024, 900 schools had temporarily shut down due to security concerns. On March 25, gangs set fire to 23 classrooms in a Port-au-Prince school, further destabilizing the education environment.

Amid widespread violence and targeted attacks on schools in Haiti, many families opt not to send their children to school out of fear for their safety. Gang violence has displaced thousands, forcing many to seek refuge in makeshift shelters within school buildings, prompting further school closures. Additionally, a $23 million deficit leaves schools starkly unequipped, lacking even basic furniture like benches or chairs. A 22-year-old Haitian student highlighted the dire conditions to ABC News, stating, “The hardest part of this is that there are no bathrooms.”

Nonprofit Work

The Haiti Education Foundation and Hope for Haiti are actively working to alleviate the educational debt and enhance the schooling system for children by providing scholarships, training teachers and supplying essential back-to-school items. The Haiti Education Foundation is currently matching donations from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15. Additionally, Hope for Haiti is organizing various events, including Celebrating Hope in Greenwich, Connecticut on October 3rd, featuring a silent auction to support Haitian families. Moreover, the U.N. Global Fund Education Cannot Wait has committed a $2.5 million grant aimed at assisting 75,000 children with cash transfers, school feeding programs and other vital initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The escalating gang violence in Haiti severely undermines the country’s education system, leaving schools vulnerable and underfunded. Due to Haiti’s $23 million deficit, many schools struggle to provide even the most necessities, forcing closures and compromising student safety. Nonprofits like the Haiti Education Foundation and Hope for Haiti are stepping in to offer crucial support, but the challenges remain immense as the nation grapples with both violence and a lack of resources.

– Madeline Rozmus

Madeline is based in Greenwich, CT, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Innovative Education Programs in Haiti

5 Innovative Education Programs in Haiti Education in Haiti has faced significant challenges in recent years, from socio-economic issues to natural disasters, leaving the education system struggling to keep pace. Statistics reveal that more than 78% of students drop out after primary school and more than 40% of the population is illiterate. Most schools in Haiti are private and charge tuition, making education inaccessible for many. Only 29% of students advance to secondary school and the average age for girls dropping out is 7 years old. However, there is a positive shift occurring. Several charities have introduced education programs in Haiti that are transforming the educational landscape. Here are some innovative education programs in Haiti that have made a considerable impact.

Locally Haiti

Locally Haiti is a charity centered on community-driven, locally-led volunteer work in the Nippes region of Haiti. It manages several impactful projects, including hospitals, agriculture and women’s empowerment. A flagship educational program of the charity is St. Paul’s School, founded in 1989, which has educated more than 5,000 students from pre-K through high school. The curriculum includes basic academic subjects and emphasizes agricultural education in areas such as botany and horticulture.

Entrepreneurship also plays a critical role in the curriculum. Professor Vladimy, a St. Paul’s alum, teaches courses in business and economics, equipping students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for various career paths. St. Paul’s enrolls more than 54% female students, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all attendees. Locally Haiti has awarded scholarships for higher education to more than 25 students and built a school facility that doubles as a relief center and community hub, further fostering a strong connection between students and their local community.

Blue Butterfly

Blue Butterfly is an innovative charity that creates engaging and informative media programs for schools in developing countries. It blends local culture and traditions with professional consulting to produce videos tailored to the needs and interests of children. The organization produces content locally, enabling children to use their mother tongue and connect with cultural figures familiar to them. Not only is the content rigorously researched, but it is also widely distributed to reach as many children as possible.

A notable educational program from Blue Butterfly in Haiti is the video series “Lakou Kajou,” which follows a brother and sister experiencing adventures around their family’s courtyard. This program includes episodes on math, science, literacy and problem-solving. The episodes, which feature animation, Haitian fables, live-action documentaries and artwork by local Haitian artists, are designed to be accessible. Blue Butterfly also partners with Université Quisqueya in Port-au-Prince, which helps extend the charity’s reach to schools in areas with limited internet and electricity.

Summits Education

Summits Education is a charity that supports schools in remote parts of Haiti. Established in 2015, the organization is dedicated to transforming education through teacher development and community engagement. In Haiti’s Central Department, where literacy rates are particularly low, the charity operates 40 schools in an area predominantly inhabited by farmers earning around $2 a day. For many residents, education represents a pathway out of poverty, enhancing community life, health and gender equality.

Summits Education emphasizes the crucial role of teachers in education. Instead of primarily investing in buildings and supplies and allocating leftover funds for teachers, the charity prioritizes its spending on educators. It adopts a ‘whole child approach,’ ensuring every child feels supported in their environment. This approach includes intensive training for the teachers and principals of their schools. Summits Education collaborates with the Haitian Ministry of Education and together they have trained 350 administrators and educated 10,000 students, to improve education programs in Haiti.

Model School Network

In 2016, the Model School Network was established to create a sustainable solution to the problem of underperforming schools in Haiti. Furthermore, three years earlier, education representatives in Haiti had convened three networks—EFACAP-Mirebalais, BDE-Hinche and Summits Education—to develop a strategy for improving the country’s educational system. These networks formed the Model School Network.

A key initiative of this network is the Longitudinal Benchmarking and Evaluation Systems (LBES), which aims to establish a data management system to monitor and enhance learning outcomes. The project has built a skilled team of managers and field agents who collect, process and analyze data on learning outcomes. It focuses on outcome-based measures to guide educational decisions and boost student performance. By gathering this data, the Model School Network can set precise future goals. Ongoing data analysis enables accurate progress evaluation, leading to data-driven decision-making and robust long-term solutions. The mission of MSE is straightforward: to recognize the potential of children and support it fully. “As long as we all come together and commit to helping one another look in all the right directions, we will find all the answers.”

The Haiti Project

The Haiti Project is a nonprofit organization that collaborates with students from Vassar College to support six primary initiatives: Art, Education, Water Access and Purification, Reforestation and Women’s Cooperative. Based in Chermaitre, Haiti, its education program enables 250 children to access primary education and provides scholarships for 10-20 students to pursue further education. These scholarships cover food, books, housing and enrollment fees, crucial support since the nearest secondary school is a four-hour journey from the village.

This initiative began as an effort to enhance the lunch program at École St. Paul. Additionally, The Haiti Project is launching an Adult Education program proposed by the Women’s Committee. The aim is to improve adult literacy and math skills to help start small businesses or pursue further education. Beyond these, the charity is developing a range of other programs including anti-trafficking classes, a breakfast program, a summer program, a medical fund, health and sexual education and a textbook-lending library.

Looking Forward

Education in Haiti has faced significant challenges. Despite the ongoing difficulties, several organizations have implemented innovative education programs in Haiti that are making a substantial impact on the country’s educational landscape. These ongoing initiatives, ranging from locally-led schools to digital learning resources, are providing critical support to students and teachers, helping to improve educational outcomes and offering hope for a brighter future in Haiti.

– Sofia Hattiangadi

Sofia is based in New York City, NY, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic

Haitians in the Dominican RepublicIn Haiti, turmoil punctuates the past and pervades the present. Successive natural disasters and social upheavals have stunted the Caribbean nation’s development and rendered its political landscape a minefield. Chaos exploded in 2019 when an onslaught of armed gangs rose against the acting prime minister. They now occupy around 80% of the country’s capital. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports the displacement of more than 360,000 people, 93% of whom are fleeing violence and, according to the World Bank, food insecurity has tripled since 2016. Many Haitians seek refuge in the Dominican Republic, Haiti’s comparatively stable neighbor. However, deeply entrenched hostilities, inflamed by this recent surge of immigration, await them across the border. Therefore, many international organizations and local charities have taken action, fervently supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic.

A Population in Crisis

The tensions straining the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti and the Dominican Republic share, can be traced back to its complex colonial past and reached boiling point during the virulently anti-Haitian regime of Rafael Trujillo, a dictator who ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930 until 1961. Today, Haitians exist largely on the periphery of Dominican society, according to the Minority Rights Group.

Amid the violence in Haiti, organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) and Amnesty International have expressed their concern over the forced deportation of Haitians from the Dominican Republic, including asylum seekers, pregnant women and unaccompanied children. They have also spoken out against reports of racial profiling and xenophobia on the part of authorities.

Moreover, Dominicans of Haitian descent are often highly vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. A 2013 law revoked the nationality of all Dominicans born to undocumented parents, rendering generations of people stateless overnight. In 2014, the government introduced a citizenship reclamation process. However, an estimated 130,000 people remained barred from legal work, education and property ownership as of 2023.

Haitians and Haitian Dominicans lacking civil status are heavily concentrated in “Bateyes,” isolated rural settlements once erected around sugar plantations to house Haitian migrant workers. These marginalized communities lack basic resources and are paralyzed by chronic insecurity. However, there are numerous nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that support Haitians and Dominican descendants of Haitian migration.

Project Esperanza

Project Esperanza, a charity based in Puerto Plata, a city in the Dominican Republic, facilitates the integration of Haitian refugee and immigrant children into Dominican society through education. Its vision is self-sustaining empowerment for vulnerable Haitian families engulfed in poverty.

The organization operates two schools where teachers from various cultural backgrounds deliver elementary-level education in Haitian Creole and Spanish, giving students a basis for engagement in Dominican life.

Given that many of these young people have not attended school regularly, Project Esperanza operates a specific program for older students, allowing them to access the essential knowledge they have thus far been excluded from. The organization also runs a six-week summer program where students develop their English skills alongside native speakers. Tourism is central to the local economy, so this initiative multiplies their prospects.

ASCALA

ASCALA is another NGO working across the country’s Eastern Region. It advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees by offering legal advice, representation, assistance with obtaining residency or citizenship and preparing necessary documentation. Furthermore, the NGO works with state and civil societies to develop education-based initiatives to equip adults and children with the necessary literary level to participate in Dominican society.

ASCALA also provides social services such as counseling and support navigating health services. Another of ASCALA’s focuses is food insecurity within the country’s borders. It supports food and income-generating family and community gardens. It helps to organize “solidarity markets,” where essential products can be accessed at low prices.

Batey Relief Alliance

Another nonprofit supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic is the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA), a U.S. charity established in 1997 to bridge the socioeconomic gulf dividing Dominican Bateyes from the rest of society. It has since expanded into several American countries, aiding 2.5 million people. BRA established its clean water initiative in 2006 to combat the spread of water-borne infections in impoverished rural enclaves lacking sufficient WASH infrastructure. To date, it has installed 19 water systems supplying 70,000 families. Similarly, it has distributed more than 23 million water purifier sachets across three countries, including the Dominican Republic.

In 2006, the charity installed the first modern health center in a Dominican hospital, serving more than 35,000 patients yearly. The charge of the center shifted to the Dominican Ministry of Health in 2017 and it continues to serve vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the “Women Empowerment” program, established in 2018, fosters community development by delivering vocational training and microloans to rural women. So far, the organization has engaged 850 women in agriculture-based economic activity, benefiting 25,000 people in Dominican Bateyes and Haiti’s border regions.

Looking Ahead

As the crisis in Haiti unfolds, binational tensions are keenly felt by those who seek safety in the Dominican Republic. Many organizations are therefore advocating for and supporting Haitians who find themselves impacted. Working from various angles and on differing scales, they are united in their common commitment to peace and compassion.

– Leila Powles

Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Uplifting Haiti’s Vulnerable: Disability and Poverty in Haiti

Uplifting Haiti’s Vulnerable: Disability and Poverty in HaitiHaiti struggles with profound social, economic and political instability, making it the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean and one of the poorest globally. In 2024, Haiti faces another year of negative economic growth, compounded by environmental hazards and ongoing political crises. These factors contribute to prevalent issues of disability and poverty, placing a significant portion of the population at risk.

Disabled Population in Haiti

In 2010, Haiti saw a significant increase in the number of disabled individuals following an earthquake that injured nearly 10% of households. Disability, affecting about 4% of Haitians aged 5 and over, is defined as experiencing some difficulty in at least two functional domains or serious difficulty or incapacity in one domain. Post-earthquake, 16% of households reported having a family member with a disability, which has drastically impacted individuals’ work capabilities and family financial stability.

Beyond natural disasters, disabilities in Haiti also stem from birth anomalies and noncommunicable diseases. The Disability Data Initiative reports that 24.9% of Haitians aged 15 and older face functional difficulties, with vision issues being the most common. Furthermore, a survey of more than 53,000 people found that 43% suffered from physical mobility disabilities.

How Disabilities Impact Poverty

Disability and poverty in Haiti severely limit the social mobility of a significant portion of the population. Poverty in Haiti often manifests as multidimensional poverty, which encompasses multiple social disadvantages such as unsafe living conditions and low educational attainment.

Approximately 86.2% of Haitians with significant functional difficulties are also multidimensionally poor. Compared to the general population, disabled individuals in Haiti face harsher socioeconomic conditions and have more difficulty entering the workforce. This perpetuates a cycle where impoverished and disabled communities struggle to achieve social mobility, affecting future generations.

According to the 2020 Human Capital Index, children in Haiti are projected to achieve only 45% of their potential productivity if they have access to stable education and health care. Moreover, the literacy rate among the disabled community is under 30%, nearly 30% lower than the national average.

Uplifting the Disabled Community

An initiative tackling disability and poverty in Haiti is the Promoting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Social and Employment Programs. This program strives to enhance the presence of PwDs in the labor force by integrating them into the social registry, offering professional training and conducting awareness campaigns about the status of PwDs in Haiti and how to support them.

The World Bank has funded this initiative with a $2.29 million grant and collaborates with Humanity and Inclusion, a nongovernmental organization that aids people with disabilities. This partnership focuses on providing training and methodologies. So far, 127 PwDs have completed training in various fields, which has enabled them to boost their income and explore opportunities like starting their businesses.

The World Bank funds the Adaptive Social Protection for Increased Resilience (ASPIRE) program, which offers a financial safety net through the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. This program ensures that vulnerable households receive regular financial support and health care. ASPIRE aims to give individuals the opportunity to stabilize their lives and seek employment, mitigating the risks of extreme poverty and food scarcity.

PwDs in Haiti often fall victim to violence from natural disasters and gang-related activities. The U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) supports these individuals by providing crutches, wheelchairs, dignity kits and assistance in organizing work documentation, enhancing their autonomy. These services help PwDs return to work, secure protection from violence and promote economic independence.

Looking Ahead

As Haiti endures another year of economic decline, compounded by environmental hazards and political crises, the disabled community remains particularly vulnerable. Efforts like the Promoting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Social and Employment Programs and the ASPIRE program are crucial in providing professional training and financial support. Additionally, the UNFPA’s initiatives to supply mobility aids and essential services are vital in empowering disabled individuals to achieve economic independence and protection from violence. The ongoing efforts aim to improve the living conditions and prospects for Haiti’s disabled population.

– Astrid Burns

Astrid is based in Roseland, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Alleviating Poverty: The SAKALA Foundation

The SAKALA FoundationHaiti, located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, is the most impoverished country in Latin America and the Caribbean. Almost 59% of people in Haiti live below the poverty line, placing the country at position 163 out of 191 on the Human Development Index. With gross domestic product (GDP) growth at -3, the economy is contracting due to political instability, poverty, insecurity and socioeconomic issues.

The country is struggling with fuel shortages, which have left many in need of necessities, a resurgence of gang violence, which has limited access to education and health services and the aftermath of a 2022 cholera outbreak. Haiti’s shrinking economy has led to past gains in poverty reduction being undone and has left the youth vulnerable to the effects of worsening poverty and gang violence.

Cité Soleil

Cité Soleil, located in Port-au-Prince, is a highly dangerous area of Haiti due to extreme poverty and gang violence. It is an impoverished area where an estimated four million children aged 5-19 are at risk of losing learning opportunities. They are also faced with violence, malnutrition and poverty, which severely impact their livelihoods and ability to learn.

The SAKALA Foundation

The SAKALA Foundation is a beacon of hope for some of the most impoverished children in Cité Soleil. As the only youth community center in the area, it offers programs to educate and develop children and young people. Its vision is to provide a safe space for young people as an alternative to violence and gangs.

The SAKALA Foundation offers education, athletics and agronomy programs. Classes in English, IT, sexual health and leadership are available, teaching important life skills and academic subjects. Sports are important to the foundation, as they are part of after-school programs and day camps. The initiative stresses sports as a vehicle for community development. Therefore, it offers boys and girls a range of sports. SAKALA’s agronomy program focuses on teaching the youth agroecology and nutrition, leadership skills and sustainable development.

Haiti’s Education Sector

SAKALA’s programs offer children and young people the opportunity to learn important academic, professional and personal skills. For children living in areas controlled by armed groups, accessing education is difficult due to a lack of qualified teachers and forced school closures. In some of the most harrowing instances of gang violence, shootouts occur in schools as gangs and police use them as a base.

The disruption to education is clear and SAKALA’s importance is also clear. Providing a haven for some youth and allowing them to learn and grow among the chaos drives the foundation. Through a partnership with the Global Fund for Children, the foundation covers school fees for 160 local youth, helping them break the cycle of poverty through education.

The Future of Cité Soleil

Without economic stimulus and political stability, addressing the situation in Cité Soleil is difficult. This is where charities, foundations and existing schools can be the key to progress in the immediate future. Due to the lack of economic opportunities in the region, education is one of the only paths out of poverty. This means that schools that are operating and foundations like SAKALA are important in helping children and young people out of their predicament.

– Lauren Alkhalil

Lauren is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Gavi Group: Working Toward Immunization in Haiti

The Gavi Group: Working Towards Immunization in HaitiHaiti, with a population of more than 11 million, faces dire challenges, as UNICEF’s 2023 annual report indicates that 90% of its residents live in poverty. This economic hardship severely limits access to health care, evidenced by Haiti’s low rankings—163rd out of 191 countries on the Human Development Index and similarly on the Gender Inequality Index. Despite these obstacles, Haiti is determined to enhance vaccination services, expand coverage and combat vaccine-preventable diseases. The country and organizations like the Gavi Group have made notable progress in its immunization efforts, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing violence through strategic health interventions and effective partnerships.

The Gavi Group

The Gavi Group, a vaccine alliance, aims to save lives and protect people’s health by increasing equitable and sustainable use of vaccines. This organization has successfully vaccinated approximately 1 billion children in 78 lower-income countries, preventing more than 17.3 million future deaths. Gavi collaborates extensively with various organizations, including UNICEF, advocating for increased support in providing essential vaccinations to low-income areas. In 2022, Gavi partnered with 19 manufacturers that supply prequalified vaccines supported by the alliance.

Zero-Dose Children

The zero-dose children program is one of its main programs, it targets children who have not received any routine vaccines. The Gavi Group defines zero-dose children as those who lack the first dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP1) vaccine. Children younger than seven require five doses of DTP1. Due to its high poverty rate, Haiti has many communities that lack access to these essential vaccinations.

Improving Vaccination Rates in Haiti

According to the Gavi group, Haiti has 64,706 children who have not received any routine vaccines. The coverage rate for the DTP vaccine in Haiti rose to 75% in 2022. There has been a consistent increase in the number of children receiving the DTP1, DTP2 and DTP3 vaccines. This progress enables children in low-income communities to grow up without the threat of these diseases. Children are fundamental to the future of our society and need protection. Enhancing vaccination rates in developing countries can potentially improve the future of health care in these areas.

Looking Ahead

Despite facing severe economic hardships, Haiti has made significant strides in improving its immunization rates. Through strategic health interventions and effective partnerships, the country increased its coverage rate for the DTP vaccine to 75% in 2022. The Gavi Group’s efforts have been instrumental in vaccinating thousands of zero-dose children, ensuring they are protected from preventable diseases. These advancements highlight the importance of continued support and collaboration to enhance health care outcomes in Haiti.

– Tess Curran

Tess is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Humanitarian Crisis and Women in Haiti

Women in HaitiThe ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti has forcibly displaced an estimated 300,000 people, with women and young girls being the most vulnerable groups. These women not only struggle with the loss of their homes but also face the violent threats posed by criminal gang members. As tensions escalate in the country’s capital, access to health services, food and clean water has become increasingly scarce. International aid representatives are urging the Haitian government to act against the violence and to prioritize women’s voices and experiences in their political agenda.

Women at the Forefront of the Crisis in Haiti

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti fell into a state of political instability. The country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, became a center for gang violence. Since then, violence has victimized a total of 5,400 individuals and authorities have reported an additional 3,000 murder cases. Women, among the most vulnerable residents, are experiencing an unprecedented increase in gender-based violence. Many women face risks of sexual exploitation and sexual slavery.

In a study conducted in 2023 by the women’s organization, MARIJAN, 63% of the 299 women and girls from marginalized neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince responded that they were forced to relocate due to the ongoing violence. Additionally, one in five of these women disclosed that they had been victims of rape and 17% reported experiencing some form of physical violence. Natalie Eleanor Virginia, General Coordinator for MARIJAN, IRC partner organizer in Port-au-Prince, observes: “Women and girls are faced with an inhuman social reality. In marginalized neighborhoods, they are exposed to physical and psychological violence; beatings, intimidation, gang rape and murder are some of the methods gangs use to establish their domination and force women and girls into total submission”. 

Virginia clarifies that those who have managed to escape their neighborhoods and have sought refuge in one of the many camps around Port-au-Prince are not exempt from the dangers. On the contrary, physical and verbal violence and sexual exploitation remain prevalent in the camps. Instances of female kidnappings have also been on the rise. In 2023, nearly 1,000 women were reported missing– which is almost equal to the number of victims in 2022 and practically three times more than in 2021. The number of women at risk of being kidnapped will only continue to rise as many roads they travel are under the control of various gangs.

Gang Violence and Medical Access in Haiti

Over the last three years, the increasing number of gang-related attacks on hospitals in Port-au-Prince has severely limited people’s access to health care services. Less than half of the capital’s health facilities are still operational and they risk running out of supplies. In March of this year, the United Nations (U.N.) warned that about 3,000 pregnant residents of Port-au-Prince might soon lose access to essential health services. Among these women, an estimated 450 could face life-threatening complications.

The U.N. also noted that an additional 521 victims of sexual violence would be unable to access medical services. Even before the crisis, Haiti struggled to provide adequate health services for its female residents. Each year, more than 1,500 Haitian women die from childbirth or pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, only 3% of rape victims receive the necessary treatment within 72 hours of the incident.

Lending a Voice and Hand to the Silenced

In early May 2024, the U.N. held a press conference to highlight recent developments in Haiti concerning its female residents. The panel of experts expressed concerns about the insufficient aid provided to Haitian women. Additionally, it criticized the Haitian government for undermining state institutions designed to serve the most vulnerable populations. The experts also revealed that the government’s failure to effectively address corruption has made it complicit in gang violence and activities. A panelist emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “No one should be forced to choose between their safety and their ability to provide for themselves and their families, attend school, access health care and basic services, including sexual and reproductive care.”

The UNFPA has also spoken out for the cause, demanding additional funding. Since the crisis began, the organization has supported three hospitals in Port-au-Prince that provide maternal health services. Additionally, the UNFPA has supplied 13 health centers in the country’s capital and neighboring regions with necessary items, including rape kits.

The U.N. Women has contributed its share of aid by partnering with Rapha International. Together, they have provided emergency aid to female survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, medical assistance, economic support and refuge. The two organizations have also developed an online platform that allows victims of sexual violence to seek medical and psychosocial assistance anonymously. Since its launch, more than 2,000 women have used the system. Additionally, it has enabled approximately 230 women to access hygiene kits or food supplies.

Taking Matters into Her Own Hands

Despite the grim political state in Haiti, the women continue to demonstrate strength and resilience. Many have united and now identify themselves as “peace mediators.” This newfound hope stems from the creation of the project “Fanm Djamn Pou Lape.” The project focuses on empowering women and encourages their participation in peacebuilding efforts.

Since its inception in 2022, 97 women from various metropolitan areas around Port-au-Prince have committed to resolving conflicts within their communities. The project has successfully developed safe havens and brought together victims of gang-related violence. It aims to build and strengthen communities by focusing on collective memories. Matienge, a young woman and member of the project, explains, “By encouraging collective remembrance of past experiences, we have fostered a shared understanding of events, promoting reconciliation and building both individual and community strength.”

Looking Ahead

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to severely impact women and girls. It exacerbates their vulnerability to violence and limits access to essential services. The U.N. and various organizations are calling for urgent action and increased aid to support these affected populations. Initiatives like “Fanm Djamn Pou Lape” demonstrate the resilience and determination of Haitian women. They play a crucial role in peacebuilding and community strengthening amid ongoing challenges.

– Yasmine Nowroozi

Yasmine is based in Laval, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hope for Haiti’s Children: The Organization Helping Haiti’s Orphans

Hope for Haiti's ChildrenChild poverty is one of the most concerning global issues and one of the countries most affected by this problem is Haiti. More than three million children in Haiti require humanitarian assistance, with 1.2 million of them being orphans. The large population of orphans can be attributed to natural disasters, diseases and conflict in the country. Following the 2010 earthquake, the number of orphanages in Haiti increased by 150%, resulting in an “orphanage crisis” with around 760 orphanages in the country.

Hope for Haiti’s Children

Hope for Haiti’s Children (HFHC) is a nonprofit organization that works with orphans and other impoverished children in every phase of their lives, providing aid in nutrition, housing, health care, education, training and spirituality. Moreover, the organization offers sponsorship programs for underprivileged Haitian children, which benefit not only the children themselves but also their families, schools and communities. HFHC has also achieved sustainable nutrition goals by building a chicken coop and enriching the diet of the children by feeding them eggs. A protein-rich diet will help children battle malnutrition and prevent stunted growth. The chicken coop is also used to educate them about animal farming.

Sponsorship Programs

Last year, the Promising Adult Continued Education Sponsorship (PACES) program was introduced. It focuses on training the future labor force of the country with variable marketable skills and trades. The program is divided into two categories: residential and off-site training. The former is for younger students and includes the subjects of computer, language, baking, gardening and sewing. The latter includes the trades of solar technology, nursing, electrical work, plumbing, culinary arts, tile laying and cosmetology. As of 2022, 17 students enrolled in the program and were certified, becoming competitive in the local job market.

Fritz, a PACES program graduate, was able to enroll in university after completing the program. HFHC has sponsored him since he was 5 years old and he still maintains contact with his sponsor, whom he considers his mom. Now, he works as an outreach minister in the city of Thomazeau and trains local leaders through his leadership seminars, mentoring 200 teens of HFHC. His mom expresses her pride over Fritz’s journey. She has been an HFHC sponsor since 1995, supporting many of Haiti’s children during the years and contributing to educational, health care and lunch programs.

Vision 2030

In view of this, Project Hope was developed in 2019 as a long-term plan for improving the organization’s infrastructure by 2030. This includes doubling the capacity of the Thomazeau Christian Orphanage to accommodate 24 children, building a health and wellness clinic at the Hope Center in Thomazeau and extending the Hot Lunch Program to all its schools.

Additionally, HFHC aims to equip every school with a qualified nurse to follow up on medical needs and educate parents and children on health and wellness. It also aims to expand schools to have individual classrooms for each grade instead of shared space and ensure that each school has the physical build-up to provide schooling for the entire 13-grade curriculum. Finally, it plans to ensure the availability of vocational and job training programs throughout the year at the Hope Center.

Final Remark

By the end of 2023, Hope for Haiti’s Children had sponsored 2,401 children, 3,000 lunch programs, 3,800 Christmas Joy Boxes and more than 200 Christian Youth Camp Attendees. HFHC’s current success indicates a greater likelihood of fulfilling the Project Hope goals by 2030, which could reduce the child poverty rate in Haiti.

– Hafsa Dijoo

Hafsa is based in Sharjah, UAE and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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4 Countries Improving Malnutrition with RUTF

4 Countries Improving Malnutrition with RUTFThe global malnutrition crisis significantly impacts millions in underdeveloped nations. According to the World Food Programme, severe food insecurity affects more than 309 million people across 72 countries. This crisis stems from factors beyond poverty, including inadequate dietary intake, limited healthcare services and a lack of access to safe drinking water and resources. Ready-to-use therapeutic Food (RUTF) has become a key intervention in combating global malnutrition effectively.

Improving Malnutrition with RUTF

André Briend and Michel Lescanne developed RUTF more than 25 years ago to offer effective nutritional treatment for malnourished children. This high-energy paste includes ingredients like powdered milk and peanuts, along with essential vitamins, providing substantial nutritional value without the need for water or concerns about rapid spoilage. UNICEF reports that consuming three packets of RUTF daily for six to eight weeks can significantly address acute malnutrition in children and the agency currently distributes approximately 80% of the global supply. Additionally, numerous nongovernmental organizations are involved in distributing RUTF. Several countries have revealed notable improvements in the nutritional status of children and adults facing chronic malnutrition through the use of RUTF.

Yemen

Yemen faces a severe food security crisis, with 56% of its population lacking proper nutrition and nearly 500,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. In response, UNICEF has partnered with USAID’s Office of Food for Peace and the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to combat starvation among children using RUTF. In the Tur Al Bahah district’s Al-Khatabiah area, 20% of children are acutely malnourished. Local health centers, supported by UNICEF, screen for malnutrition, provide RUTF treatment and conduct follow-up check-ups. The treatment has significantly aided recovery, improving conditions for affected families. USAID/BHA has supplied RUTF to address more than 144,000 cases of malnutrition in Yemen, underscoring the critical role of RUTF in combating the nation’s food insecurity.

Haiti

In Haiti, the struggle against malnutrition intensifies amid natural disasters, poor sanitation and economic challenges. With a population of 11.7 million, nearly 4.3 million face acute malnutrition and more than 22% of children under age 5 experience chronic hunger. The country’s escalating violence often hampers access to healthcare centers. To combat this, nongovernmental organizations, like Meds and Food for Kids, deliver nutritional support with their RUTF known locally as “Medika Mamba” or “Peanut Butter Medicine.” This product effectively restores essential micronutrients and is produced following standards set by PlumpyField and Nutriset, global leaders in nutritional solutions. Annually, Meds and Food for Kids produces more than 1000 metric tons of RUTF, achieving a 92% treatment success rate for malnourished children within 8 to 12 weeks.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, environmental challenges such as droughts and declining livestock productivity exacerbate food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown measures further worsened the situation as nearly one million children lost access to school feeding programs. This has led to acute malnutrition and a rise in micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency anemia and Vitamin A deficiency. To combat this, Ethiopia’s government and UNICEF have committed to protecting vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. Since 2007, Hilina Enriched Foods has collaborated with UNICEF to distribute RUTF to communities in urgent need. This partnership leverages ‘last-mile distribution’ strategies to deliver RUTF directly to health facilities, ensuring timely supply across 240 districts and improving malnutrition management in hard-to-reach areas.

Democratic Republic of Congo

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), malnutrition affects 40% of children. From June 2023 to June 2024, about 1.1 million children ages 6 to 59 months and 605,000 pregnant women experienced high rates of acute malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child wasting as rapid weight and muscle loss due to insufficient nutrient intake, often exacerbated by inadequate feeding practices and scarce resources. To combat this, the DRC has integrated RUTF into its national healthcare strategy, including listing it on the Essential Medicines List. UNICEF, the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the World Bank and various NGOs with private funding have supplied RUTF.

Moving Forward

UNICEF has acknowledged the integration of RUTF in national clinical guidelines for malnutrition management across 71 countries. This adoption underscores a growing reliance on RUTF to combat global malnutrition effectively. Nations such as Yemen, Haiti, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have made significant strides by incorporating RUTF into their health strategies, revealing marked improvements in severe malnutrition cases. The support from UNICEF, USAID and various nongovernmental organizations has been instrumental in these ongoing efforts. Continued investment and focus on the programs could be essential for reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes globally.

– Abigail Lobo

Abigail is based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Mercy for Haiti

Mercy for HaitiHaiti is the second-largest island in the Caribbean, situated southeast of Cuba. Despite its beauty, Haiti is not only the poorest country in the Americas but one of the poorest countries in the world. In fact, in 2012, the official poverty estimates showed that more than 6 million people in Haiti lived below the poverty line. Additionally, more than 2 million were in extreme poverty.

In 2022, the population was reported to be 11.58 million people. This suggests that more than half of the Haitian population lives in poverty. Statistics also show that about one in five kids die before the age of 6 and that more than 400,000 children are orphans because of the country’s circumstances. However, the people of Haiti are being led to change with the help of a nonprofit organization.

The Mighty Fall

Instability can be blamed for Haiti’s fall from the top. Haiti constantly finds itself in a battle with instability caused by weather, political, social and developmental instability. Examples of this can be seen in its misplaced use of disaster aid and in its lack of access to work services. These actions have caused the country to rely on external revenue and farming. However, with the loss of value in its currency, not even this is enough to keep the nation afloat.

Political and social instability is another thing that Haiti has seen time and time again. Examples are the assassination of the nation’s president in July of 2021 and the population continuing to face tragedy with the inability to support themselves and family. Haiti is also home to gangs that prevent its people from leading their lives. These gangs have ruined many homes and families.

And so, between its unfavorable weather conditions from being placed on a fault line, facing debt with currency deflation and a lack of suitable income and gang violence, Haiti has found itself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Mercy for Haiti

Despite the odds against it, Haiti has been shown grace by a nonprofit organization called Mercy International. Mercy International was founded by Dr. John Leigner, who felt “led” to aid the people of Haiti after he visited the country in 1974. With more than 100 visits and more than 50 years of work, Leigner and Mercy International are making great impacts.

Mercy International aims to rebuild the community with a helping hand from the gospel. This aim is followed through projects for medical facilities, housing and much more. The movement of this trajectory is nothing short of great for Haiti, considering the mass amounts of poverty, homelessness and orphans in the country.

Mercy’s Impacts in Haiti

Mercy International has established at least three villages in Haiti. This has enabled many residents to move from tent cities into permanent homes. In response to the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2020, as well as the 2016 hurricane, Mercy International has been deeply committed to addressing the urgent needs of the Haitian people.

Following these catastrophes, Mercy International built its first village in 2010, providing housing for around 700 people. Despite the subsequent storms, Mercy International persisted, establishing two more villages in southern Haiti. These villages offer more than just housing; they support residents with churches, educational programs and food initiatives.

The initiative’s educational programs in these villages have been particularly successful, resulting in many college graduates. This has been made possible through the dedication of volunteers, sponsorship and donations.

A Good Change

The work of Mercy International is crucial in a country like Haiti, where approximately 1,300 tent cities house an estimated 1.5 million people. Additionally, less than 60% of children attend primary school and 80% do not attend secondary school. The villages, education and supportive community provided by Mercy International are incredibly needed and impactful for the people.

Thanks to Mercy International, Haiti now has three new villages. This is in addition to education, housing, health care and food to support its citizens. As Mercy International continues to lead change in Haiti, more lives will be touched and more change will be seen.

– Yeliz Turkdil

Yeliz is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Fickr