Restoring hope in times of crisis.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Deborah’s life changed forever when armed violence forced her and her family to flee their home in Port-au-Prince. “Everything we had was burned and destroyed,” recalls her father, Jean-Marie. Once a mason, he finds himself today in a displacement site with no work, no possessions, and no clear future. “We left with nothing. We survive on aid, but my children deserve more. They deserve decent meals, clean water, and an education.”

The trauma of that day remains vivid in their memory. Armed men stormed their home, pointed a gun at Jean-Marie’s head, and fired shots dangerously close to his children. Deborah’s youngest sister even fled in terror and was only found hours later roaming the streets in tears.

Education, a light amidst chaos

The crisis has not only thrown their lives into chaos, but disrupted the education of thousands of children, depriving them of their right to learn. Across Haiti, schools were forced to close, leaving many without access to education. 

For families like Jean Marie’s, being able to sustain their children’s education amid their quest for survival is difficult. To support parents, UNICEF, with the ECHO contribution, implemented targeted interventions to restore learning opportunities through cash transfers. This would ensure children remain in school despite financial hardships. 

In addition, teachers were trained in accelerated learning techniques, enabling students to catch up on missed lessons.  

Safe spaces, a place to heal trauma

For Deborah, the violence she witnessed has resulted in frequent nightmares and fear. She's finding support at a Child-Friendly Space established by UNICEF with ECHO funding. Along with thousands of other children, Deborah receives psychosocial support, mental health care, and participates in recreational activities that help her heal and rebuild her confidence. These spaces are vital not only for healing but also for the reintegration of children formerly associated with armed groups.  

The fight against Cholera continues

While seeking refuge, families often encounter unsanitary conditions and a lack of basic necessities, making them particularly vulnerable to diseases. The current cholera outbreak has added yet another layer of hardship for them. UNICEF teams have been working quickly to respond to the crisis. They have ensured that families have access to clean water and hygiene kits and provided educational sessions on handwashing and disease prevention that equipped communities with the knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Building resilient communities

Beyond immediate aid, UNICEF is collaborating with communities to build their resilience. Joint efforts include awareness campaigns on child protection and gender equality fostering safer and more inclusive environments for children. Local leaders and families are actively engaged in these initiatives, promoting social cohesion, creating a foundation for sustainable recovery.

A Partnership of Hope

Jean Marie’s story reflects Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, which has devastated families and left children to bear the brunt of the violence, displacement, and lack of basic services. Yet, thanks to partners in the European Union (ECHO)_, there is a hope for families like his. “My children still have dreams’’, says Jean Marie. “That’s what keeps me going.”