Earthquake Response and Recovery Efforts in Haiti

On August 14, 2021, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the South of Haiti, leaving over 2,200 people dead, many more injured, and causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. Those affected were in desperate need of food, clothes, bedding, and basic hygiene supplies like soap.

With generous support from Royal Caribbean Group, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and The Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) was able to support families, businesses, farmers, and students affected by the devastating earthquake. Some highlights from the efforts that were made possible by the support of these donors are below.

Families

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, PADF staff rushed to deliver lifesaving food, shelter, water, and other supplies. We helped over 2,600 families (or 13,000 people) in need of urgent relief.

With the generous support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, PADF was also able to provide humanitarian aid supplies to 100 families to support their immediate needs for shelter, food, health, and hygiene.

Farmers

The earthquake struck during harvest season for beans and corn, two staples of the Haitian diet. The earthquake was followed by a storm and flooding. Droughts in the region had already generated hunger and malnutrition. The disruption to the planting season left many farmers without income and exacerbated already high levels of food insecurity in the region.

Thanks to the generosity of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Royal Caribbean Group, PADF was able to help 190 farmers in Camp Perrin by providing them with seeds, fertilizer, agricultural and financial management training. This earthquake-impacted area had not received much assistance to date, so farmers expressed sincere gratitude.

“The days after the earthquake were terrible, difficult. No fertilizer, no money to pay the loans. [PADF] gave us money to plough the land, to plant seedlings, we planted peas, and they gave us fertilizer. In one pod I find 7 to 8 seeds ... The garden is bearing fruit!” – Andrisse Fortune, farmer and recipient of support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York initiative through PADF

“After the earthquake, us farmers we were struggling to plant our plots ... Fertilizer had because super expensive in the South, costing up to $70. Thanks to this project we were able to plant corn, beans, and ... found the fertilizers needed. When I harvest this corn, I will be able to start repairing my damaged home.” – Joel, farmer and recipient of support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York initiative through PADF

“Thanks to the money I have made with my harvest, I have been able to start rebuilding my house ... I cannot thank this project enough and God for what this has done for me, especially receiving the fertilizer, which helped me a lot with my garden. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” – Lorita Petit-Frere, farmer and recipient of support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York initiative through PADF

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“We were able to plant corn, beans, and thanks to the project we found the fertilizers needed. When I harvest this corn, I will be able to start repairing my damaged home. Thanks so much to PADF and Carnegie Foundation for gifting us with this precious gift.” – Joel

“I cannot thank this project enough and God for what this has done for me, especially receiving the fertilizer, which helped me a lot with my garden. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” – Lorita Petit-Frere

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Students

After the earthquake in the South of Haiti damaged or destroyed 16% of schools in the region, we wanted to reengage these students in learning and help them reclaim their education. With the generous support of Royal Caribbean Group, PADF was able to offer a STEM camp to 100 students, the majority of whom were girls (80%). Through hands-on STEM activities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), students developed essential skills for the 21st century like collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

PADF partnered with the Haiti STEM Alliance to design and deliver a unique curriculum tailored for the local context. An additional 500 students received “Learn-and-Play” kits, and 1,000 students in affected schools received school supplies.

The kids are so amazed! Parents are calling me to explain how the kids come home with joy and can’t wait for the next day!”

Carmelie Montuma, PADF area supervisor, Haiti

Published on August 15, 2022.