Haiti Earthquake Aftermath

Camp Unity (HAITI) - Sponsored by Khalsa Aid

The district of Leogane, the epicentre of the earthquake which struck Haiti on 12th Jan 2010, this already impoverished area has been totally devastated and will take many years to recover.

In addition to the medical and water needs identified (for which appropriate projects were launched), Khalsa Aid also became aware that due to the lack of facilities and security many NGO’s were being deterred from working in the district of Leogane. Khalsa Aid decided that other international professional volunteers needed to be facilitated with a safe and clean environment for them to work from. Khalsa Aid acquired an old disused clothes factory in the beginning of February, to establish Camp Unity for International NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations) to assist the 200,000.00 people of Leogane. Khalsa Aid has installed new toilets, showers, water pump and water tanks so that the NGOs have full facilities, there are also 10 locals employed at the camp to provide meals, sanitation and security.

Camp Unity has become a centre of various relief operations in Leogane, and many other international organisations regularly attend the camp for meetings. The added benefit of enabling different NGO’s to work together is that resources can be shared, and each can concentrate on their specialised fields.

There is a Nishan Sahib high up on the outside wall, it is a beautiful sight from afar and the Indian UN team always slow down to show respect to the Nishan Sahib. The Sikh volunteers, who have been mistaken for Arabs have been discussing Sikhism to every NGO that has stayed in the camp. There has been a very warm and wonderful welcome for the Sikhs all over Leogane and the surrounding areas, the Khalsa is truly in Chardi Kalan in Haiti!

The following NGOs are based at the Camp Unity:

Medical Teams International (MTI):
A US based organisation of Doctors who have pledged to remain in Haiti for the next 3 years. The doctors from MTI have a pharmacy at the camp and also reach out to the thousands of people in rural areas through their mobile clinics. There are at least 8 doctors operating from Camp Unity at anytime, they are very professional and dedicated individuals who are fighting against time to carry out vaccination programs whilst also preparing for the forthcoming rainy season.

Pompiers Sans Frontiers:
Pompiers Sans Frontiers ( Fire-fighters without Borders ), are French fire-fighters who have rotating teams of volunteers in Haiti and are providing water and sanitation to thousands of survivors of the earthquake. These fantastic volunteers are also operating a clinic at Camp Unity, their commitment to serving the people of Haiti is inspirational.

Gynécologie sans Frontières:
This French based organisation of Gynocologists and midwives have been vital in providing antenatal care to many new mothers living in tents. They have also launched a hygiene awareness program in camps and orphanages to promote the well being of people living in temporary accommodation.

ShelterQuest: ShelterQuest are group of individuals who are new to the International Humanitarian relief, but are full of passion and humanity. ShelterQuest have imported materials to assemble 1000 (10 person) tents which will house 10000 people. They have employed 10 local young people to assemble these tents and have already installed 300 tents, this project is funded by themselves and a small group of private donors. ShelterQuest also has plans to build houses but at the present moment they are working around the clock to erect the tents before the rainy season begins.

In addition to facilitating these great projects, Khalsa Aid’s own Orphanage projects are also continuing to expand; providing food, clothing, water and other basic amenities to sustain and develop several orphanages in the area.

Recognise all of the human race as one.

- Guru Gobind Singh Ji