ARI brings clean water, sanitation facilities to schools and refugee camps in devastated Port-au-Prince

In the aftermath of January's devastating earthquake, numerous non-governmental agencies have been working diligently in Port-au-Prince to help Haitians rebuild their homes and livelihoods. During these few short months, ARI has emerged as a quality provider of water and sanitation systems for schools and temporary camps. With UNICEF funding awarded in June 2010, our pilot project for schools now is being replicated in 18 locations in Port au Prince, to ensure that 13,280 children can return to their studies in a hygienic facility.

Our pilot project for schools has its roots in an assessment we conducted in March 2010, when we visited eight spontaneous settlements and refugee camps to observe the living conditions of families displaced from destroyed or damaged homes. These camps vary in size from a few families to thousands.

What did we find? Camps lack even the most basic sanitation facilities - open defecation is the norm. Alarmingly, access to water too is lacking; children and adults walk long distances to community wells or trucked water sites, or to vendors to purchase water.

Displaced families have virtually no shelter other than what they’ve been able to cobble together. The lack of drainage systems – affecting quality of life and health - means that people living in low-lying areas are perpetually flooded, especially with the early rains. Health care services are extremely limited.

Even in the midst of such horrific living conditions, the displaced families in these camps told us that what they wanted most was for their children to be able to attend school again. They gave education even greater priority than good shelter. In short time, their expressed desire for children’s schooling led to ARI’s partnership with the Ministry of Education to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities at temporary classroom structures.

The Ministry of Education has requested our assistance with 120 temporary schools as quickly as possible. We can assure you that your donations would be put to the best possible use: to ensure that Haitian children - who have already lost so much - do not miss any more school.

With donor funds and private donations, ARI is currently providing: