Facilitators Training in Cap Haitien

17 facilitators and young journalists were trained today at Cap Haitien to undertake focus group discussions in six locations in the North region of the country. Cap Haitien is Haiti's second largest city located along the Atlantic Coast. The area, although not directly affected by the January 12th earthquake, has been playing a key role in the earthquake's response. With the port facilities in Port-au-Prince destroyed by the earthquake, Cap-Haïtien's container port was being used to deliver relief supplies. In addition it is estimated that over 500,000 earthquake displaced people are being hosted in the area by relatives.





Past and Present risks
The area hosts the UNESCO Heritage monuments the Citadelle Laferrière, a massive stone fortress, and the ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace, which was wrecked by the 1842 earthquake. The historical landmark serves as a reminder to all of the region's vulnerability to earthquakes. In addition, in February this year, a school partially collapsed in Cap-Haitien due to a mudslide following four days of heavy rain. Four children were killed. The focus group discussions aim to gather children’s views on how to make their communities more resilient to the disaster risks they face.