Haiti
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Photo: Miguel Samper for Mercy Corps
Our strategy
Transition from emergency assistance to long-term support that helps rural communities, entrepreneurs and youth to build a stronger, more self-sufficient country.
The context
The January 2010 earthquake dealt a tragic blow to a country where 55 percent of the population already lived below a poverty line of $1 a day. Still struggling to rebuild, many families have no means to support themselves. Harmful environmental practices have also harmed the country's vital agricultural land, decreasing production and leading to increased food insecurity.
Our work
- Emergency response: Reached more than 1 million people with emergency supplies, clean water, cholera prevention and temporary jobs immediately after the January 2010 earthquake
- Economic opportunity: Helping women start small businesses to support their families — and protecting them from future disasters with affordable microinsurance
- Agriculture & Food: Boosting farmers' harvests and helping rural communities organize for improved production
- Environment: Promoting sustainable land use practices and establishing alternative fuel sources that provide jobs
- Children & Youth: Using soccer to teach leadership, gender awareness, conflict resolution skills and HIV/AIDS prevention education
All stories about Haiti
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Haiti: Rooting for Messi! June 12, 2010
Benoit Samuel, 9, is rooting for Lionel Messi – his favorite soccer player – who’s playing today for Argentina in the World Cup. Haiti doesn't have a team in the Cup, but that doesn't mean that Haitians across the country aren't watching their favorite teams: Argentina and Brazil.
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Haiti: Helping Haitians survive rainy season June 4, 2010
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Haiti: What we're doing in Haiti June 2, 2010
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Haiti: The art of youth development June 1, 2010
I came to Haiti as someone who believes in seeing challenges — such as a conflict or natural disaster — as opportunities to identify and leverage large-scale social transformation.
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Haiti: Encouraging small business in Haiti June 1, 2010
Although I've sort of always known that one day I would come to work in Haiti, January 12 made me realize that the time was now.
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Haiti: In the lakou, under a mango tree May 27, 2010
Outside of the town of Mirebalais, in Haiti's Central Plateau, we visit the small community of Sarazin. We are here to do a community mobilization — the first step in engaging a community in a cash-for-work project.
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Haiti: Rural scenes of Haiti's Central Plateau May 19, 2010
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Haiti: Photo of the Day: Haiti's Flag Day May 18, 2010
May 18th is Flag Day in Haiti, a national holiday commemorating the day in 1803 when Haitians chose their flag.
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Haiti: Working to address Haitians' basic needs May 18, 2010
The camps. Today, when you hear about Haiti, the camps are probably among the first images that come to mind. For many of us, they have become the central symbol of loss and suffering in this country. Unfortunately for hundreds of thousands in Port-au-Prince, the camps are also home.
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Haiti: Helping teachers and kids recover in Port-au-Prince May 15, 2010
In the car with Sandrine and Magdala, two of our talented trainers in Comfort for Kids, our program designed to teach adults ways to help address the post-earthquake psychosocial needs of children. We’re on our way to the Delmas neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.