Haiti Hit by Massive Earthquake

Jan. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- The epicenter of the quake was just 6 miles from the capital Port-au-Prince. So far, SOS Children's Villages has not been able to reach local Haiti co-workers for a situation report.

The massive earthquake cut off power supplies, and thousands gathered in the blacked-out roads as powerful aftershocks continued well into the night. Many are now trying to dig the victims out of the rubble with whatever tools they can find. Communication lines are also down.

The main UN building in Port-au-Prince has also collapsed, and although pledges for immediate assistance have been made by the United States, the World Bank and many others, it is not known at present how a recovery will be organized.

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and has suffered both destructive natural disasters and political turmoil. SOS Children's Villages has been established in Haiti for many years and will do everything in its power to help those who need urgent assistance, with a special focus on the children. Due to the total loss of communication lines, the extent to which SOS Children's Villages in Haiti have been affected is not known at this point, but there is no doubt that immediate aid as well as long-term support will require a large amount of funds.

The National SOS Children's Village Association was founded in 1979; the first SOS Children's Village was completed in 1982. At present there are two SOS Children's Villages in Haiti, at Santo and Cap Haitien, two SOS Youth Facilities, two SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools, two SOS Vocational Training Centers and four SOS Social Centers. Some 570 children and young people are currently being cared for in SOS facilities, more than 2,600 people receive support through our family strengthening programs. More than 1,800 children and young people are receiving an education at two SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools and two SOS Vocational Training Centers.

More information:
http://www.sos-usa.org/newsroom/press-releases/Pages/Hait...

# # #

For 60 years, SOS Children's Villages has been dedicated to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children. With 500 villages in 132 countries, SOS offers a family-based village model that provides for the holistic needs of a child - family, community, education and support - essential for the successful transition from childhood into adulthood. Through Villages, schools, medical facilities, micro-lending, and family strengthening programs, SOS Children's Villages impacts the lives of over 1 million people each year. In 2009, SOS Children's Villages was honored with the Save the World Award. SOS is also the recipient of the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize and the Mother Teresa Gold Medal.