CBM Ireland (Christian Blind Mission) is a close partner of ElectricAid. They are a Christian international development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest countries of the world.
In October 2016, Haiti was hit by Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful Caribbean hurricane in nearly a decade, devastating coastal areas in many parts of the country. Over the last 12 months, CBM, with support from ElectricAid, has been working to ensure that the affected population, including persons with disabilities, are able to rebuild their lives. A total of 21,243 people have been reached. Of these more than 30 percent are persons with disabilities. They have been able to access relief aid, psychosocial support and recover their livelihoods.
ElectricAid’s financial contribution of €6,384 went towards the distribution of agricultural kits and technical training to farmers. Seeds (corn, beans, vegetables and fruit trees) and farming tools were distributed in time for the March planting season. Basic training and guidance was given, and successful harvests have been reported. However, in April, Haiti was affected by heavy rain falls and flooding. Some of the newly-planted fields were washed out, so extra support was provided to the affected families.
CBM is now in the process of developing longer-term work. This is looking to increase access to livelihoods for the most marginalised people, strengthen links between persons with disabilities and community services, and improve disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction measures.
Read CBM’s project report here: 16-A-134 Year 1 progress report
Read more about CBM’s support to persons with disabilities on www.cbm.ie
Main Photo: Jeanne received corn seedlings to restart her garden. She plans to sell the harvest at her local market. (CBM/Louissaint)
Photo 2: Renee showing CBM community worker Homer Auguste what is left of his house after Hurricane Matthew made landfall. (CBM/Abraham)
Photo 3: Richie’s mother, Martha, received livestock, and she thanks CBM wholeheartedly. “I was beginning to lose hope, but CBM has come and helped. I just want to be able to take care of Richie and give him what he needs”. (CBM/Louissaint)
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