Young students who have lost their homes, friends and loved ones in the earthquake are helping Plan Haiti staff to get much-needed aid to 20,000 people across the ravaged Croix-des-Bouquets district, situated just north of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Plan has been approached by many proud students, graduates and others, keen to offer up their skills and join the aid and recovery efforts.

‘MC’ a 22-year-old student said: “Everyone is a victim of this earthquake. No one can go to school, kids are in the streets and have nowhere to sleep, so we have to do something and that’s why we’re here.”

Vital knowledge and support

All of the students run youth clubs and organisations in their own communities and have been known by Plan Haiti staff for many years. Their knowledge of the communities and people affected was quickly called upon by Plan to help carry out damage assessments and identify those who are most in need. They have also helped Plan staff deal with a delivery of trucks from the Dominican Republic carrying hundreds of family survival kits with food and essential items. And in one day they helped distribute more than 630 family survival kits and 100 food boxes to children and families at a nutrition centre.

We are the ones who have to rebuild

MC explains their enthusiasm to get involved: “We are the ones who have to rebuild the country. We couldn’t do this kind of thing before in this country. But I think now we have a chance.”

Many of them are themselves without homes to return to after their long days volunteering.

“People are hungry and have no tents. We’re all sleeping out in the open,” said 19-year-old student Mideline.

“We just want to give people a break,” added 23-year-old teacher Jean.

Giving their best

Plan Haiti staff member Miriam said: ”We’ve worked for many years with them in terms of community leadership. We’ve always worked on their awareness of their participation in the development of their communities and encouraged them to do so. And I think this here is proof that they’re giving their best.

“Even if we’ve lost family members, our houses have been destroyed, we have to work to rebuild our country. So both Plan employees and young volunteers are here to support this.”