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Projects:
Radio DistributionSTATUS: implemented May 2006 / now completed Distributing battery-operated radios to families in remote areas to give people a source for news, entertainment and advance warning in the event of natural disasters. NEED: Because of the unstable conditions in the country, a source for news and information is a valuable tool News and information can help with preparedness for storms Because the country only has 1 ½ % forest cover left due to the fact that people cut down trees for cooking, the population is more vulnerable to flooding, as trees are a natural barrier to floods, providing not only impediments to flowing waters but also making the ground more able to absorb water Floods devastated Gonaives in 2004, killing more than 3,000 people who did not have any advance warning Having access to news and information provides remote households with a connection to the world on many other fronts as well: music, entertainment, sports, news, and current events RESPONSE: As part of an ongoing program, 150 radios were given to people in the mountainous Seguin region. Recipients were chosen by community leaders under equitable prerequisites Each recipient was given one battery operated radio with recording capability, four sets of batteries, two blank cassette tapes and one cassette tape of Wyclef’s music. The environmental NGO Fondation Seguin, which is located in the area and oversaw the selection of recipients, also provided each recipient with one avocado tree as a source of renewable income and sustenance. Partners: Photo: radios and advocado trees being distributed to people in the Seguin region. |
