Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Hinche (Agenzia Fides) – Haiti is a country plagued by extreme poverty that has worsened after the devastating earthquake that recently left behind a trail of destruction. 53% of 8 million inhabitants of the island are children and adolescents. Among these, over one million are particularly vulnerable because of the precarious situation in which they live. In addition, the country has the highest infant mortality rate in Latin America. Very few households in rural areas have access to drinking water and adequate sanitation. Moreover, almost half of boys and girls are unable to attend primary school. In addition to the precariousness, another obstacle to education is the the fact that 80% of schools are private, with costs that most households cannot afford.
The International Association Vides, together with the Foundation Volunteer Youth Solidarity Onlus (FVGS), has promoted a project for long-distance support, to offer these children a real chance to go to school, have a balanced diet, and basic medical care. The project will benefit about 150 boys and girls, ages 3 - 16 years who live in extreme poverty.
The FVGS Onlus, a Catholic-based group established by the International Association Vides, seeks solely to achieve social solidarity and to support and encourage the development of the person. It aims to promote research and activities relating to the rights of women and children in developing countries, promote education programs for development training, social volunteer action for marginalized youth, promote and support research, and promote formation in the field of youth volunteering. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 04/29/2010)
