Charity leader spells out what Ireland’s ‘awesome’ response has meant to Haitian people

HEARTBREAK and hope don’t often come together – in the response of the Irish people to the Haitian tragedy, they certainly did.

We know earthquakes often lead to tsunamis when great forces are unleashed, but the wave of generosity from Ireland that came in the wake of this disaster was awesome in its own right.

As a result, GOAL recently completed a feeding programme in Port-au-Prince which reached in excess of 295,000 people and we plan to feed many more thousands of survivors in the coming months.

We have also started a cash-for-work programme where we are employing thousands of local workers to clear rubble, refuse and debris from streets, common areas and drains, and we are planning to use local labour in the construction of latrine, shower and hand-wash units.

Similarly, GOAL is building 15 roofed structures for use by locals for community activities and, in anticipation of the rainy season, we are building and renovating shelters for 4,000 families. This was only made possible by the spontaneous kindness of the Irish people who donated in excess of €4.5m in less than three months. It is something to be immensely proud of that during a time of economic hardship with so many out of work at home, the people of this island could still be touched by the plight of others so far away. The work being done by Irish doctors, nurses, and engineers in the disaster zone is quite remarkable. Their example is inspirational and makes for a stark contrast to the international dithering that has characterised much of the global reaction.

GOAL and the people we have been privileged to help would like to say thank you. There has been a further positive spin-off from this. The size of the donation from Ireland enabled us to build up a bed of seed capital which encouraged other major international donors to help us. It has been a case of one good turn leading to another. In terms of meeting the needs of what is required in Haiti we have a huge way to go. In truth, the task is beyond the scope of aid agencies alone, and requires a global long-term commitment. Yet the first faltering steps towards rebuilding have begun thanks to the giving spirit which this disaster stirred. An example has been set as befits a nation with such a proud missionary tradition.

John O’Shea

GOAL

PO BOX 19

Dun Laoghaire

Co Dublin