German and Austrian Red Cross Earthquake Haiti Recovery. Programme Description revised version: April 2013 (Original version from May 2010)

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1 German and Austrian Red Cross Earthquake Haiti Recovery Programme Description revised version: April 2013 (Original version from May 2010) Background Information Haiti already declared independence from France in 1804, has however since struggled with political unrest, violence, insecurity and poverty. It is according to the UN s Human Development Index the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with deep inequalities between rich and poor. Before the earthquake, nearly 80% of the Haitian population lived below the poverty line (2 USD per day), and 56% of the population lived below the extreme poverty line with less than 1 USD per day. 1 On January 12, 2010 at 4:52 pm an earthquake of 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the country devastating parts of the capital Port au Prince and its surrounding areas. The epicenter of the earthquake was close to the city of Leogane, of which 80 to 90 % were destroyed. Earthquake Intensity Map of Haiti The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks caused the loss of more than lives, while more than 300,000 people were injured (including more than amputees). The damage has affected over 3 million people of whom an estimated 2 million have been displaced. Approximately 1.5 million of them live in several hundred temporary settlements in areas directly affected by the earthquake. 1 IFRC (2010). Haiti: from tragedy to opportunity. Special report, one month on, February

2 More than 600,000 people have left town in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, mostly staying with host families elsewhere in the country or else in camps, but have been slowly returning to Port au Prince mainly due to assistance being delivered in town. The above numbers continue to change due to population movements to, from and between urban camps and other regions. In 2013, IOM estimates state that 347,284 individuals (or about 87,750 households) remain in 450 IDP sites. As the extent of the disaster is enormous, so are the challenges for relief and recovery, particularly given that a large part of the response is taking place in an impoverished, densely populated, urban context. In 2010 the onset of the rainy and hurricane season has complicated the situation and humanitarian organizations are still confronted with a multitude of needs. The Haiti earthquake operation is the biggest single country operation of the RCRC Movement in history. 21 Emergency Response Units (ERUs) have been deployed to Haiti and the HRCS has so far received support from more than 50 Sister National Societies and over 900 delegates. The Needs The relief phase for Haiti was extended to the end of the year 2010 due to the onset of the rainy season in April, which turns into a hurricane season between June and November of the year Through the onset of rains shortly after the earthquake, the population living in camps has become particularly vulnerable and that resulted in an immediate need to increase shelter and sanitation capacities in camps. The humanitarian assistance of the Austrian and German Red Cross responds to a multitude of needs and consists of four pillars: Responding to the middle and longer term needs caused by the earthquake and providing necessary support to the affected population Preparing for and responding to the challenges stemming from Haiti s hurricane seasons, particularly the one of 2010 Planning and implementation of the recovery phase to re establish lives and livelihoods Building the capacity of the communities and the national partner, the HRCS, to be able to implement the operation and to ensure sustainability of the services. Immediate needs: Assessments of the Austrian and German Red Cross, as well as the ones carried out by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) and the international community shared through UN OCHA, have prioritized shelter and sanitation as an immediate need for the displaced communities. Whereas the communities have been provided with emergency shelter in form of tents, tarpaulins and tool kits, the rainy season requires more stable shelters in the sort of transitional shelters. The same counts for the area of sanitation for which the provided emergency latrines need to be upgraded and accompanied with intensive hygiene promotion trainings in order to avoid the outbreak of epidemics. The provision of safe drinking water remains a priority, whereas over time the focus shifts from the provision through water trucking to repairing own water sources. 2

3 Emergency shelter camp, village of L Acul Water testing, village of L Acul School has started in the beginning of April 2010; however, according to information from the field, most schools are private schools without the necessary means to start schooling. As parents have lost their source of livelihood, most families cannot afford to pay the school fee and thus have not sent their children to attend class. Thus, there is an immediate need to support schools to start transitional schooling. Mid to Longer term needs Various assessments, amongst others the International Federation s Recovery Assessment in March 2010, have identified that the creation and provision of employment is prioritized by the affected population to regain personal and economic independence and to re establish lives. In order to prepare the population for future disasters and to support them in gaining more self capacity, there is a need for community based work, amongst others, in the areas of First Aid or disaster preparedness trainings. Longer term needs also include support for reconstruction of damaged or destroyed infrastructure and houses, which will be prioritized after the immediate shelter needs for the rainy season are covered. During all phases, special needs of children, women, single mothers, the elderly and disabled, as well as single headed households will be taken into account, especially when there is a need for prioritization amongst community members (selection criteria). Coordination and partnership The Joint GRC/AutRC Recovery Programme, under the operational lead of the German RC, is being implemented together with the Haitian Red Cross (HRCS). This cooperation between AutRC and GRC was finalized after talks in Haiti and Berlin and is based on the experience of German RC in Haiti and good past co operations. The Joint Recovery Programme of GRC and AutRC is part of the entire support portfolio of the RC/RC Movement in Haiti. International Organisations in Leogane, Haiti In Leogane, regular cluster coordination meetings take place where active NGOs are present. Further meetings regarding the security situation and general information exchange are taking place (organized by OCHA, the UN office for coordination). In meetings relevant to the programme, delegates and/or national employees participate. 3

4 Description of the Joint Recovery Programme: The programme purpose is the rehabilitation and recovery of 10 selected earthquake affected communities in Leogane (7 communities) and Gressier (3 communities), West of Port au Prince, in a sustainable way. Therefore, the Joint GRC/AutRC Recovery Programme in Haiti follows a holistic approach in cooperation with the beneficiary population. The programme comprises the following components: shelter, WASH (water, santiation and hygiene promotion), social and communal infrastructure (i.e. rehabilitation of schools and community centers), livelihood, DRR and capacity building. Altogether, households benefit from the Joint Recovery Programme. The programme area is the region between Port au Prince and Leogane to support the communities most affected from the earthquake. The following communities have been identified for the recovery programme since the programme started in May 2010: Bellevue/Corail, MorneBarbo, Haute Lácule, Tchawa, Kolokolo, Sous de Baba, Rosseau, Godé, Karan and Jean Congo. Partners in Haiti: In order to ensure that the recovery programme in Haiti is as sustainable and efficient as possible, GRC together with the AutRC formed a consortium in order to support the Haitian Red Cross. GRC is continuously present in Haiti since 2003 and is planning to keep on working in the country for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the AutRC had a good opportunity to continue working in Haiti after the emergency phase. Within the consortium, the German Red Cross has the operational lead for the overall programme, whereas the AutRC has the technical lead in the WASH component, which includes the provision of delegates for the whole programme duration for this component as well as the deployment of a Finance Delegate. Furthermore, the AutRC is financially contributing to all programme components. The Haitian Red Cross (HNRCS) is the largest national aid organisation in Haiti and the local partner of the GRC/AutRC consortium. HNRCS is working according to the RC/RC principles and has a longstanding tradition of voluntary work. HNRCS has also been affected very much by the earthquake and is currently supported by the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. Programme duration: May 2010 until December 2013 The Joint Recovery Programme is expected to last until 31. December 2013 (end of implementation until 30. September 2013; consolidation, closure of our structure in Haiti (storage area and the workshop etc.) and contingency until 31. December 2013). The GRC is planning to be present in Haiti even after completion of the Joint Recovery Programme. Challenges could arise if the government is restricted in its capacities to lead the recovery efforts. For the Joint Recovery Programme this mainly could have consequences for decisions on land titles and land registration, compensations for renters, as well as general specifications for the recovery. In May 2011, Michel Martelly was sworn in as president and pledged to speed up the reconstruction process and to address the most pressing needs of the population. Yet, particularly in 2010, the rainy and hurricane season (June to November) exposed the affected population to big risks and the 4

5 humanitarian community continues to face substantial challenges in its support to Haiti along the way towards recovery. The total budget of the GRC/AutRC Joint Recovery Programme amounts to ,89 EUR (as of revised version, March 2013). Programme components: Shelter Specific Objective: Safe temporary housing is provided to the most vulnerable earthquake affected population in the Leogane and Gressier area. The provision of transitional/progressive shelter (T shelters and P shelters) bridges the gap between the emergency shelters provided in the first relief phase and the final reconstruction of permanent living space, providing a mid term solution lasting from several months to at least three years. P shelters usually refer to a type of shelter, which has a minimum structure and can be amended or expanded at a later stage to a more permanent structure. Timeframe for this objective: May 2010 May 2013 (37 months) Expected results Activities planned 1.1) P shelters are constructed Establish relationship with existing village committees and/or encourage the formation of new committees to assist in the implementation of the project. Conduct needs assessments in villages in the focus region Register beneficiaries according to selection criteria and verify lists through HRCS volunteers and local authorities Formalise agreement between beneficiaries and GRC/AutRC/HRCS for construction and maintenance of the shelter Procure shelter material, transport and store it in the focus region Clear land, if possible through food/cash for work Distribute construction material to registered beneficiaries Issue contracts to local construction teams for each stage of the construction Supervise the construction of the shelters to ensure intended design quality is achieved Complete the shelter and hand over to the beneficiary 5

6 1.2) Earthquake affected families are supported to construct their shelters. 2.1) T Shelters are upgraded 2.2) Earthquake affected families are supported to upgrade their shelters Train community members (volunteers) as technical support teams Train skilled community members as constructors (masons and carpenters) Construct model shelter Maintain relationship with existing village committees to assist in the implementation of the project. Conduct assessment and verify the presence and condition of existing shelters. Formalise agreement between beneficiaries and GRC/AutRC/HRCS for reception of materials, working methodology and maintenance of the shelter Procure shelter material, transport and store it in the focus region Distribute construction material to registered beneficiaries Issue contracts to local construction teams who will execute the construction works Supervise the construction works to ensure intended design quality is achieved. Train community members (volunteers) as technical support teams Train skilled community members as constructors (masons and carpenters) Construct model shelters The construction approach is based on experiences following the natural disasters in Haiti of 2004 and 2008, and is based upon the distribution of necessary materials and tools, and the provision of training and technical support for the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries themselves are carrying out most of the work in clearing the site, preparing the materials and erecting the shelter according to a standard design that provides coverage and protection. Appropriate fixing techniques and good foundations ensure a maximum degree of resistance to heavy winds. A floor of rough concrete provides minimum hygiene conditions. The shelter solution was coordinated and discussed in the different Shelter Cluster and RC Movement coordination meetings to ensure agreed standards and to avoid duplication between different actors in the field. The shelter provides a room of 18.5 m² covered space. Beneficiaries can easily add a roof extension or an additional room with materials that are locally available, e.g. for a cooking area. The basic set includes the wooden structure, corrugated zinc sheets for the roof, cement, nails, wire and a kit of tools essential for the construction. A small pedestal made of bricks or cement blocks is added to separate 6

7 the lighter wall material from the floor and the humidity, making it more durable and adding safety and cleanliness to the inner space by isolating it better from the exterior. Plywood is used as wall material to increase durability and stability of the shelter. Each community provides skilled members, like carpenters, to act as trainers. In the beginning, a training of trainers is conducted and some sample shelters are erected. Groups of approx. 10 families in each community are formed to assist each other during the construction process. The trainers and volunteers will assist them and give more technical advice. For the site clearance, a rubble removal kit is provided including crow bar, gloves and wheelbarrows, which could be shared within the community. In a cash for work approach, big rubble sites are cleared, sites with minor debris are cleared by the beneficiaries themselves. Specific work stages, which are carried out in community work, are compensated by a cash for work system to add a small livelihood component for a population who has not only lost their houses, but in many cases also their working places and income options. Within the focus region, the village of L Acul approx. a 15 minutes drive to the West of Leogane (GPS: N /W ) was identified as a pilot village and work has started for the construction of Transitional shelters (with ECHO funds, hence, outside of the Joint GRC/AutRC Recovery Programme). As those 1000 T shelters were constructed in the context of the emergency, the process was rapid and the standard of the construction basic; dirt floors and light timber framing covered with tarpaulins. In 2012, a comprehensive field survey found that approximately 90% of the beneficiaries continue to inhabit their T shelters and have even upgrading them with concrete floors (85% of beneficiaries), and in a few cases the installation of resilient wall cladding and verandas. The majority of beneficiaries however remain with the original tarpaulin walling. The aim of this project is to increase the durability of the T shelters, offering the beneficiaries a similar level of protection against storms and burglary to that which is afforded by the neighbouring P Shelters, by installing plywood wall cladding, a new window and a coat of paint. Following further verification in the field, it was also decided that the Joint Recovery Programme of the GRC/AutRC would upgrade the existing concrete footings and replace or repair the rotted timber columns where necessary, before installing the plywood. Furthermore, the 1000 T shelters are included in the WASHcomponent of the Joint Recovery Programme. Training of villagers to build shelters Model temporary shelter, village of L Acul The beneficiary selection in the village was carried out by the shelter delegate of the German Red Cross in cooperation with volunteers from the HRCS and members of the community based on a standardized assessment form. The list, which was initially provided by the community members, was verified by the Red Cross and further verified and cross checked by the mayor s office in Leogane. 7

8 Water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion (WASH) Specific Objective: Living conditions related to water, sanitation and hygiene of 3000 households have been improved in order to reduce the risk of water and excreta related diseases The water and sanitation programme is implemented in a participatory way together with the communities. Entry point for working with the communities are hygiene promotion trainings, which are of great importance due to Haiti s rainy/hurricane seasons and endemic cholera since October The different activities related to improved water sources, sanitation and hygiene are complementary and interdependent. The WASH component complements the shelter component (transitional and progressive) of the programme. Timeframe for this objective: May 2010 September 2013 (41 months) Expected results Activities planned 1) Hygiene Promotion: The targeted families have the knowledge to change their hygiene behaviour. 2) Sanitation: Improved excreta disposal facilities are available for families through the construction / rehabilitation of latrines 3) Targeted households have access to improved water sources through the rehabilitation / construction of water supply facilities and these are kept in good working order Carry out hygiene trainings for the target families Carry out school activities in the schools of the targeted communities Carry out awareness and mobilization campaigns Encourage and support community events focused on hygiene Rehabilitate or build family latrines Train and supervise craftsmen from the communities to construct the latrines. Rehabilitate or construct water supply facilities Provide rainwater harvesting systems to at least 450 households Create, train and hand over responsibility to water committees In order to ensure an integrated approach, this Joint Recovery Programme aims to provide latrines and improves access to water and hygiene practices to its beneficiaries and is complementary to the P shelter component of the programme, as well as the previously constructed T shelters. The WASH component will be technically led and implemented by the Austrian Red Cross and its delegates. 8

9 Provision of emergency latrines, village of L Acul provision of safe water, Leogane The WASH component was started through a participatory planning process with the communities through hygiene promotion trainings. Further activities were planned by including input of the communities and acknowledge local cultural practices. Culturally adapted solutions for excreta disposal facilities, which provide minimum hygienic standards are constructed with the workforce from the community. For the majority of constructed latrines the design used is the VIP design (ventilation improved pit latrine). For the communities with a very high groundwater table the chosen latrine design is an elevated latrine with an hermetically sealed tank in order to not contaminate the environment. The targeted communities will have improved water sources at their disposal at the end of the programme. Depending on location and context, this can be achieved through rehabilitated or newly constructed wells and spring catchments as well as rain water harvesting. To maintain and supervise these water supplies, a suitable number of water committees is formed, trained and accompanied in developing ownership for their responsibilities which is a key factor for increasing sustainability. The hygiene promotion training reaches the families who benefit of a latrine. On average, there is one person per family who will spread the key messages of the training inside the household afterwards (hand washing, water quality awareness, avoid open defecation amongst others). School activities reach another target group of the communities, the children, benefiting of their receptivity, their aptitude to learn new messages and behaviours. The dynamic relies on their motivation to repeat and to involve all family members as "young ambassadors of hygiene". This activity is based on pedagogic games to complete the hygiene lessons from teachers. Two rounds of school sessions are planned for all the targeted schools, one in the year and another on Other activities (door to door, community meetings, events, "Ijen anfoli") allow repeating the key messages, and to reach a larger part of the community. These activities increase the sustainable impact of the hygiene promotion training. WASH related on the job trainings for community members are organized to implement the programme and to open the path for increased livelihood opportunities to the beneficiaries. To ensure the sanitary supply in all communities, additional latrines will be provided in some communities. 9

10 Reconstruction of communal and social infrastructure Specific Objective: Social infrastructure is rehabilitated or newly constructed, allowing better access to education and other basic services In order to ensure a comprehensive approach, focus for reconstruction of infrastructure will be in those villages, where the shelter &WASH programme is implemented. As practised before the earthquake, running and maintenance costs of the facilities will remain under the responsibility of the local authorities or the communities. Timeframe for this objective: May 2010 May 2013 (37 months) Expected results Activities planned 1) Three educational facilities are rehabilitated or newly constructed. Identify damaged/destroyed communal infrastructure projects, assess needs and design in collaboration with HRCS, authorities, beneficiaries, community committees and external actors if required Immediately support transitional measures to ensure operation, e.g. transitional schooling Develop an operating and maintenance plan with the community and the local authorities to ensure an exit strategy for the RC/RC Tender process and selection of contractor Construct buildings and furniture to intended design standard, with the support of the community and national and local authorities Handover to authorities 2) Link to DRR component: at least two community centres have been constructed. Identify and secure land for the project in collaboration with the community and authorities Design the centre in collaboration with community members and committees Develop an operating and maintenance plan with the community and the local authorities to ensure an exit strategy for the RC/RC Form community construction teams consisting of boss masons and carpenters Construct community centres with community construction teams Handover to community Only 20 % of the schools in Haiti are public schools. The rest of the schools are run privately through donations or school fees, and are often not obliged to follow a national curriculum. According to the Human Development Index 2009 (UNDP), 37,9 % of the adults (aged 15 and above) in Haiti are illiterate. The Ministry of Education of Haiti reported that schools were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. 10

11 After the earthquake in January 2010, school has officially re started in early April 2010; however, many principles do not have the financial means or equipment to start class, while many parents do not have the money to pay school fees, as they have lost their sources of income. In addition, many children were displaced and are, thus, not in their usual environment allowing them to return to their school. Going to school is not only essential to get an education. At this stage, schooling also provides the necessary change and environment for those children, who have been traumatised by the earthquake and whose main occupation often was to help their parents to organise their daily survival. The Joint Recovery Programme of the Austrian and German Red Cross supports communities in the focus area with the reconstruction of schools (both public and private). In order to support the start of schooling, the programme also supports transitional schooling with necessary shelter material and schooling equipment. Community centres are constructed together with the beneficiaries to provide a space for common activities. In case of disasters, these community centres could be used as safe houses and would, thus, avoid the use of schools and therefore the interruption of education that goes with it. Red Cross volunteers support children in camps Emergency schooling in the village of L Acul 11

12 Livelihoods support Specific Objective: Income opportunities and subsistence agriculture of the beneficiary groups in the target communities have improved. The provision of Red Cross services will support the communities in gaining additional self help capacities for emergencies or disasters and will be based on identified needs in the communities. Timeframe for this objective: February 2012 May 2013 (16 months) Expected Results Activities Planned 12 1) Knowledge in agriculture cultivation for small farmers is improved. 2) Knowledge of beneficiaries in earthquake resistant construction and business management is improved. 3) Knowledge of target beneficiaries in entrepreneurship and business management is improved. Identification of needs in agriculture production Mapping of partner organization for training in sustainable agriculture Selection of beneficiaries Identification of farmer fields for implementation of training in each community and access to land for the selected beneficiaries supported by the WASH department to ensure the availability of water sources Preparation of CBA for selection of partner organisation for agriculture training Contraction Service Provider for Training Purchasing of items for trainings implementation and replication Implementation of training and replication Extension service for support and monitoring of implementation Opportunities for skilled worker and handicrafts business are identified Carry out Transect Walk Mapping of partner organization for trainings in vocational skills Beneficiary selection based on the trainings done by the DRR and bosses of the shelter programme Implementation of training Training in Business Skills Purchasing of toolbox Distribution of toolkit to beneficiaries Purchase of items for training Young Entrepreneur Promotion of business training

13 4) Access of the target beneficiaries to a microfinance program is facilitated. Beneficiary selection Implementation of entrepreneur training and business management Support in formulation of a business plan and business action plan to launch business Mentoring support to establish business Identification of Microfinance Institute for linkage to participants of business training Meetings with microfinance institute for presentation of livelihood program and beneficiary groups. Meeting with the participants of business trainings and microfinance institutes to facilitate access. Livelihood interventions do include skills trainings to support members of the communities in regaining their economic independence. The interventions will, however, need to be embedded into the larger initiative of the Government and the international community to rebuild the country and its economy (see GoH Plan of Action). Based on VCA and KAP survey, suitable interventions are identified and included into the recovery programme. The communities capacities will be further strengthened and supported by employees of the Haitian Red Cross in the context of the Joint Recovery Programme. In Leogane, though, HNRCS does not have a presence (this was already the case before the earthquake) since the region was seen as economically strong. The region is the country s main producer of fruits and vegetables, as well as rum which is exported (32% of the rum export is from Leogane). However, the earthquake has impacted the region very much the epicentre was located just below Leogane and many companies and factories were destroyed which has huge consequences for the export. Unemployment is another consequence for many inhabitants of Leogane. Therefore, a representative of the Haitian Red Cross was deployed to Leogane in the absence of a branch. HRCS volunteer providing aid after the earthquake 13

14 Water point in L Acul Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Specific objective: The resilience and disaster preparedness have been strengthened. Timeframe for this objective: January 2011 April 2013 (28 months) Expected results Planned Activities 14 1) The population of 10 communities is better informed about natural hazards and climate change, able to evacuate in time and to respond in an effective way in case of earthquakes, storms, hurricanes and floods in coordination with Haitian Red Cross and Civil Protection. 2) In the target communities each Community Disaster Response Department (CDRT or EIC) is trained, Realize sensitisation and awareness campaigns (using Radio, Print Media, awareness campaigns) to inform communities better about natural hazards, related risks, their protection and prevention possibilities in coordination with community members and DPC (Direction de la Protection Civile). Realize one VCA (vulnerability and capacity assessment) training for volunteers in Leogane and Gressier respectively Realize one VCA in each of the 10 communities Based on the VCA results create risk maps for each of the 10 communities Signpost early warning system poles and guidelines Carry out an evacuation drill in the communities in coordination with DPC and CASECs Provide leaflet (sticker) with plastic wallet for keeping documents safe for 5000 families Conduct a KAP survey (knowledge, attitude and practice) on local practices and initiatives in each community Implement First Aid Trainings in each community Establish at least one CDRT in each of the 10 communities and provide basic equipment (individual/early warning systems and response)

15 equipped and functional. 3) The vulnerability of 10 communities is reduced by the mitigation of disaster risks and the sharing of best practice examples 4) The teachers and pupils of selected schools are familiarized with potential natural hazards, the impact of earthquakes and climate change and the appropriate behaviour before, during and after disaster situations Implement specialized trainings for the CDRTs focussing on early warning and emergency response based on HRC standards. Develop community plans and emergency plans for each community and link it up with HRC and Civil Protection Carry out coordination meetings with CDRT members. Based on the outcome of the KAP and VCAs identify the most relevant mitigation activities in each community Implement trainings of masons of each community in earthquake and hurricane resistant construction techniques. Implement training in mitigation activities Implement training about Reforestation and good environmental practices. Carry out the most relevant mitigation activities by the local population (e.g. landslide protection, storm proof / earthquake resistant community centre / schools, reforestation, canalization, channels cleaning) Ensure maintenance of mitigation works by the established CDRTs (technical training of community members) Reinforce safe places for evacuation identified by the CDRTs. Arrange cross learning meetings with HRCNS representatives and Civil Protection across the districts Systematize learning experience and best practice and produce information materials for dissemination Build community centres to provide a meeting place for the community as well as storage for equipment and office space. Carry out trainings for teachers from each community on safe school principle and first aid Implement information and awareness raising campaigns at all selected schools Develop emergency plans for all selected schools including safe areas and evacuation routes Carry out at least one simulation drill in each selected school Develop and conduct a test in order to measure the impact of the trainings and awareness raising activities for teachers and students. The Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction project of the GRC/AutRC Recovery Programme aims to contribute to the reduction of negative effects on the population through earthquakes and climate related hazards in vulnerable areas in Haiti. As part of the support to the Haitian Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction strategy, developed after the 2010 earthquake, the GRC/AutRC is focused on 10 hurricane prone areas. 15

16 At the end of the project, it is expected that more than 80% of the population in the project communities is aware of earthquakes and climate related hazards like storms, hurricanes and floods, and measures how to protect one s community against such hazards. In order to identify the highrisk areas and self help capacities inside the community, one VCA will be carried out in each community. In line with the national strategy of the HRC, 10 community disaster response teams will be created, trained and equipped in each community. This community structure is the key element of the project in order to guarantee the sustainability of the actions. One emergency plan is developed and one evacuation drill is carried out in each of the target communities, these activities are led by the CDRT in close coordination and cooperation with the HRC and the Department of Civil Protection. As part of the structural measures of the project, at least one mitigation activity will be carried out in each community. Given the high vulnerability of children, the project has a school component that aims that all target schools develop an emergency plan by the end of the project that points out the potential hazards for the students and clear evacuation routes. At least 24 teachers of the 10 project communities are mobilized and trained in safe school principle / first aid and at least one mock drill is carried out in all target schools. Capacity Building Support and strengthen capacities of HNRCS Overall objective: HNRCS has established a presence in the districts of Gressier and Leogane and maintains a network of volunteers to support local communities in DRR activities Tentative timeframe: May 2010 September 2013 (41 months) Expected results Activities planned 1) HNRCS is represented in Gressier and Leogane and maintains a group of volunteers. Support HNRCS in setting up a representation in the district of Gressier Support HNRCS in setting up a system of Red Cross Volunteers in the districts of Gressier and Leogane Traditionally, HNRCS had no representation in the district of Leogane prior to the earthquake, since the district was considered to be relatively well structured and well off in economic terms. The region is one of the main producers of fruit and vegetables and produced approx. 38% of the country's sugarcane which is still processed for the country's best rum for export. Following the earthquake, most of the processing factories and distilleries were destroyed and led to a subsequent exodus of the industry to existing facilities in other regions. Unemployment surged and affected all social classes. 16

17 The newly established local Branch Office of HNRCS in Gressier focuses on traditional activities in disaster mitigation and first aid. HNRCS has recruited and trained a group of Red Cross/Club 25 volunteers in the district of Leogane and Gressier which this programme seeks to support further and enlarge. Experience of GRC in Haiti: The German Red Cross has supported the HNRCS since 2003 and has established a permanent presence in 2008 after a series of hurricanes. The focus of the engagement of the GRC was on DRR and capacity building of the HNRCS. After the earthquake in 2010, the GRC immediately responded with relief activities and deployed 2 ERUs a basic health care unit and a field hospital. Due to GRC s presence and experience in Haiti it was feasible for AutRC to partner for the recovery programme. Experience of AutRC in Haiti: In response to the hurricanes of 2008, the AutRC contributed to the response activities of the International Federation and the HRCS by deploying delegates to the IT & Telecom ERU to Haiti. Immediately after the earthquake, the AutRC deployed an ERU (Mass Sanitation) to Haiti and supported the IT & Telecom ERU as part of the International Federation s/hnrcs response. 2 AutRC experts for shelter and WASH also participated in the International Federation s recovery assessment carried out in March AutRC relief items have been distributed via the International Federation and the ICRC. First Aid Training ToT November 2011 Contact information For further information specifically related to this operation please contact: In Germany: German Red Cross, Ms. Maja Katharina Hild, Haiti Desk Officer, hildm@drk.de; phone: In Austria: Austrian Red Cross, Mr Wolfgang Klug, Haiti Desk Officer, wolfgang.klug@redcross.at; phone: In Haiti: Mr. Federico Carboni, Programme Coordinator Leogane, drk.federico.carboni@gmail.com Ms. Astrid Nissen, Country Representative German Red Cross, drk.astrid.nissen@gmail.com; phone: