Resilience and mobilisation sets the mood - even in the most desperate of communities

By Lucile Grosjean, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Here in Croix Deprez the mood is resilient and strong. I witness those who have lost everything, and are living day-to-day on the bare minimum. However, despite catastrophic circumstances, there is a real, heartfelt sense of community spirit, the pulling together in the name of national solidarity. 

Today I met Serge Felix, a young 30 year old father. Luckily, Serge was at the barbers when the quake hit – his house was completely destroyed, and had he been there….he may not be alive today. With his head half shaven, as a result from the quake, he says: 

“The clothes that I was wearing are the only things I have. I want to find a job to meet the needs of my family, and to make my contribution to those in need. Before the earthquake, I wanted to leave my country in order to do a Masters in Human Sciences, and then find work. Now everything has changed. I have solid training, I already have 10 years professional experience; I can help my country. So, without question, I must stay here to help. I am ready for anything now.”

True to his word, Serge is currently helping his community by assisting with Action Against Hunger’s relief efforts. He has already helped install a waterpoint near the refugee camp in Croix Deprez, and is distributing water units to his fellow survivors. 

The same surge of solidarity can also be felt in Gonaïves, situated five hours North of Port au Prince. With a town barely recovered from the huge cyclones of 2008, and the community now faced with further destruction, locals are refusing to give into the situation, and those that can, are giving everything they have to those worse off. As such, gifts of clothes, toys and tools have all arrived at the Action Against Hunger office in the Gonaïves.

This mark of generosity and overall feeling of national solitary, in the face of adversity, gives me hope in a country so crippled by tragedy. 

Action Against Hunger has launched a public emergency appeal. Call 08456 003618 or click here

Find out more:

• 17th January - Emergency Water and Sanitation Programmes Launched in Haiti
  
  
• Follow the live updates from our teams in Haiti
  
  

• 16th January - Action Against Hunger is preparing to distribute drinking water to over 35,000 quake survivors
  
  

• 15th January - Haiti emergency: Access to Water and Sanitation Urgently needed
  
  

• 14th January - Haiti earthquake: Action Against Hunger's teams are on the ground mounting an emergency response