The wheat shortage caused by Russia's war against Ukraine is also affecting Haiti, almost 10,000 kilometres away. How are the children in the Caribbean country, which is already affected by crises and poverty? How are the school projects supported by REWE Group and its employees doing? Questions for the head of the Kindernothilfe office in Port-au-Prince, Hugue Augustin.
one: Bonjour Hugue, how are you doing?
Hugue Augustin : All of us in Haiti, especially in the capital Port-au-Prince, are in survival mode. I'm trying to stay on top of the situation, but it's not easy because I feel responsible for my team and their well-being.
So I'm not just worried about whether my family arrives at schools and workplaces in one piece - and returns home safe and sound. I also make sure that the office staff get to work and home safely, especially those from neighbourhoods affected by unrest. Fortunately, we have been receiving psychological support to help us cope with stress for a few months now, which is starting to have a positive effect. Otherwise, we are vigilant and pray that nothing happens to anyone.
one: What is the situation in the country?
Hugue Augustin : The social, political and economic situation in Haiti is already very tense. Now the Russian war against Ukraine is exacerbating the situation, wheat supplies are being cancelled and oil prices are rising.
one: What impact is that having?
Hugue Augustin : Food is becoming even scarcer and more expensive, hunger is looming. In addition to the precarious situation we are experiencing in Haiti, there are also the consequences of inflation of more than 25 per cent. Essential products are becoming massively more expensive, while purchasing power is falling. This also applies to me and my work. I try to limit myself strictly to the bare essentials. But if the situation gets worse, we will have to think about what to do next.
one: Against this backdrop, how are the pupils at Collège Verena doing? It is located in a part of the capital that is affected by unrest and gang clashes. Are the children able to attend school at all?
Hugue Augustin : In the past school year, lessons were constantly disrupted, but the school is very well known in the Delmas 2 neighbourhood, so we were able to maintain a minimum level of functionality. Currently the neighbourhood is in a gang war with the neighbouring neighbourhood, at strategic points the Delmas 2 gang has set up street barriers, but the school is accessible. Shots can often be heard around the building, which naturally frightens the children. Nevertheless, the children have finished their school year!
one: Unlike the Collège Verena, the Protective School in Levêque is located in the middle of the countryside. What is the situation like there? How are the children doing, how is the project doing?
Hugue Augustin : The Protective School is indeed located in the countryside, far away from the turmoil of the capital. But you have to know that Haiti does not have a decentralised service system. So everything that happens in the capital has an impact on the other cities in the country, including the area where the Lévêque Protective School is located.
One example: many of the employees and materials we need for the project activities arrive in Levêque from the capital via the only arterial road. However, as the cars there are regularly stopped and robbed by armed gangs, the project staff often have to turn back. Nevertheless, all the children were able to complete the past school year. Above all, it is important that we can continue to guarantee them their right to protection and safety.
Insight into the work of the Protective School:
Reading tips for anyone who would like to know more about the current situation in Haiti and the children's aid projects supported by employee donations:
