“Haiti is full of everyday ”

Pilar López-Dafonte

Technical of Entreculturas for Fe y Alegría Haití

How long have you been in Haiti and how do you feel?

I have been working in Haiti for two years. In the Haitian context the capacities of our professionals to adapt is very important, the professional training is not enough if it is not integrated into Haitian society; speaking their language and participating in their daily life which has enriched myself to the point of feeling Haitian.

How does Haiti look like after all these three years?

The Haitian society still has in mind 12 January of 2010, a date very important in their lives. However, in spite of such a traumatic moment, the Haitians are active agents rebuilding the country. This leading role of the Haitian has made them to have a physical and emotional strength which lead them to better oneself and to make further progress. I would say that Haiti is full of everyday heroes

How did Isaac and Sandy affected?

At first, the impact of both was awful due to the numbers of people killed and to the damage to infrastructures. In the long term, the most important consequence has been the losses of more than half of the harvest, which led to an alarming food insecurity which can have negatives consequences especially for rural communities and all over the country in general due to rising food prices.

¿How do Haitians feel towards the current Government? The Haitian society has mixed feelings regarding to the current government´s administration. There were a lot of expectations but now there are a lot of frustrations due to the governmental slow progress.

Numerous weaknesses currently remain and prevent the consolidation of the rule of law which protects Haitian citizens with any condition.

During that period, which aspects have improved in the country?

In the last year, the number of refugee camps has been drastically decreased and the redeployment programs for displaced persons have been activated. Over 80% of debris have been withdrawn. However, there is a very sluggishly in the process which is due to factors such as lack of political stability, continuing weather phenomena mentioned above and non eradicated cholera epidemic.

Which are the challenges still to be faced? is international economic support still necessary?

Fe y Alegría is now becoming stronger as an institution and consolidated to be able to resist the ongoing instability that the country is suffering. This process moves ahead with the responsibility of giving priority to make education an universal right which means the development of Haitian society towards a better future. The international support should clearly give priority to this development which will make Haiti prosperous country.