10-Year Earthquake Anniversary Commemoration Brochure, Embassy of Haiti
Folks,
This week is a momentous time as we remember the way the earth shook ten years ago and changed life as we knew it in Haiti.
News reports at the time told of terrible death and distress. All over the world people prayed, volunteered, and contributed. For that generosity, Haitians remain grateful. At the same time, there is lingering angst. Failed projects, aid worker misconduct, and ongoing poverty seep at the soul.
A lot of activity is happening to commemorate the disaster. I was recently approached to donate for a 5K and a 10K race that are being organized to raise money to landscape the mass grave in Leogane where 40,000 people are buried. I gave $20 to the cause. I was one of the many people who extracted bodies from rubble and moved them into that grave. To plant greenery, flowers, and trees there will be a good thing.
For our partners in CODEP, the last ten years have been rocky and rough but still a story of growing hope and confidence as a community. Millions of trees have been planted. Hundreds of workers have joined the program. Structures have been built including a school, a church, the depot which is used for the CODEP businesses, a guesthouse which is outfitted for paying visitors, and dozens of incentive homes. Hundreds of children are being taught the CODEP method for planting and nurturing trees as part of their school curriculum. On New Year’s Day I hustled to visit 30 homes to celebrate Haitian independence, eat their traditional pumpkin soup, and witness people’s fierce pride and strong spirit.
A shudder collapsed the island ten years ago. But the hearts of the Haitians opened wider. I am one of the beneficiaries, and I am blessed.
Michael Anello
Executive Director
We plant trees and good things happen!
Make a donation online or send your check to the address below.
– Thank you from all of us at Haiti Reforestation Partnership