Mia Farrow will meet with disaster stricken children in HaitiPORT-AU-PRINCE, 18 September 2008 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, actress Mia Farrow, will visit Haiti from 19-23 September to witness the devastation, after four successive hurricanes struck the country, and will meet with children and women affected by the natural disasters. During her visit, she will be accompanied by Nigel Fisher, President of UNICEF Canada. Mia Farrow’s itinerary will include a day trip to Gonaïves, the most affected city where an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people are in temporary shelters according to local Civil Protection. The floods forced families to take refuge in churches, schools and other public buildings. She will also visit projects in Cite-Soleil, an impoverished district of Port-au-Prince, and go to Cabaret, which was also affected by the rains. Since 16 August, four successive hurricanes have pounded the country and affected more than 300,000 children, according to figures released by the Government of Haiti. Cities like Gonaïves remain partly flooded where relocated families wait for the filthy water to recede and to discover what is left of their homes. UNICEF, in collaboration with partners and local authorities, is providing potable water, hygiene kits, water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts, blankets, school kits, and additional items to help women and children in needs. UNICEF is also procuring school furniture and school kits to help get children back into school. The new school year in Haiti will start 6 October. For further information, please contact: ------------------- About UNICEF
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