Friday, March 5, 2010

Preliminary Findings from FGDs

54 FGDs with over 1000 children and youth in the 9 departments have been completed. We are now collating all the data and analysing the children's key messages. Below are some of the messages we have heard and will be sharing with the PDNA decision makers:

"At the time of the earthquake, I thought the earth was caving in, that it was the end of the world. I saw people with broken legs and arms not having anywhere to find medical help. I thought that there were so many victims because we were not prepared to face these types of disasters. I think it is important to give support to the children and youth who have been one month living in a different place and are still afraid. Also, the Haitian government must guarantee the rights of all citizens, especially children, taking care of street children, and stop the prostitution of minors."
Martine (FGD in Ouest, female group- 11-17yrs)

"This focus group is a great activity, we got the participation and attention of all the participants. Each had the opportunity to express freely their ideas and opinions. Regarding the earthquake on January 12th, I think that each in their own lives understood and explained the disaster and what it meant for us. But there are still problems and fear in our lives. Many are traumatized and desperate. Right now, there is a need to reconsider, and include the rights and the needs of those affected, listen to them, they have positive ideas for the reconstruction of the country."
Nathalie , (FGD in Ouest, female group- 18-24 yrs)

"At the time of the earthquake, I thought that it was the end of the world. I lost an uncle who died in the ruins. I wish now that this moment – it will be the moment of change for Haiti. We need to create jobs for the youth, to rebuild all our schools. I wish to live in a better Haiti where the government takes responsibility for children and youth, because they are the future of the country. I wish that schools will start again where there will be good education, where children learn in safety and can study without fear."
Yvenie Pierre (FGD in Ouest, female group- 11-17 yrs)

"The discussion was a great initiative, it helped us express our feelings about the impact of the earthquake on our lives. I was washing clothes at the time of the earthquake, I lost an uncle who died in Petit-Goave. For the new Haiti, I call on all Haitians to take part, this is our chance to participate positively in the reconstruction of the country. I hope the government will take on its responsibilities. The children must also be integrated, because they have a lot of potential, they have an important part in the process. I suggest the Haitian government take all the necessary steps so that the population is better prepared for natural disasters. "
Sentia (FGD in Ouest, female group- 11-17 yrs)


"My home was damaged, we are afraid of staying inside and right now me and my family are here [in this temporary shelter in Parc Rony Collin]. Here life is not as bad as in other camps, they have been giving us aid. But we need water, clothes, shoes. At the time of the earthquake, I was at my home, I felt the earth vibrate without knowing it was an earthquake. Since then we have not been able to go to school, but we have taken part in some training in the camps. I am in the 7th grade AF, and I really hope to return to school because we are nothing in life without having education. Before the January 12th earthquake I never got any training or information on disasters in school nowhere. For this reason I think that to better prepare against disasters, we have to avoid building poor buildings, we have to use materials and building norms that will make use safe. "
Emmanuel 16 ans (Site Parc Rony Collin, Bon repos)

1 comment:

  1. FGDs's mission is a mission of love and hope for many who lost everything on Haiti .. An example of humanity as much as buy viagra

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