Genise Dauphin was born in 1998, and she is one of a family of
4 children. She goes to the local school where she is learning
to read and write French, basic maths, geography and history.
The family is Catholic and they speak Creole. They live in a
house made of stone with a tin roof, and many families have to
walk up to one hour to reach the nearest water point.
Families like Genise's are living in extreme poverty. Less than
1% of people in Thiotte have access to safe, clean water.
Education and healthcare facilities are also limited. There is
just one health centre here, which is inadequately equipped and
many families have to walk up to five hours to reach it. For
many children like Genise, the nearest school is a 45 minute
walk, and the quality of education is poor, with few children
passing their final examinations.
Agriculture is the main source of income for families in
Thiotte, with many farmers growing coffee. However, access to
the most profitable markets is restricted due to the conditions
of the roads, so farmers are forced to sell their produce at a
loss. Sweet potatoes, corn, millet and vegetables like cabbage,
carrots and onions are also grown as a source of income and
food. The average annual income for families like Genise's is
only £170.
ActionAid Haiti is working in Genise's community with the
Lutheran World Foundation (LWF), a local organisation which has
been working in Haiti since the 1980's. ActionAid, LWF and the
communities are working together to develop long term projects
in Thiotte to encourage self reliance and increase access to
their basic rights, such as water, health and education, and to
improve family livelihoods. These projects will give children
like Genise the chance of a better future. |
