Geneva, January 14th 2010 – After the violent quake which struck Haiti, World Scouting is mobilising in order to help the 30'000 Scouts of Haïti so that they can come to the aid of the stricken population. In the name of World Scouting, a message of solidarity and compassion, was sent to Haitian Scouts, even though it is very difficult to get into contact with them for the moment. A volunteer cooperation specialist from “Scouts et Guides de France” (Scouts and Guides of France) is on site in Port-aux-Princes, to support the coordination of the international Scout aid.

A precise indication of what the needs are of the stricken families in terms of goods of first necessity, has been made possible thanks to the contacts, although limited, that have been made at this time. In fact, the 30 000 Haitian Scouts are essential relays between the emergency NGOs and the local population. Their action during the hurricane of 2008, has shown their capacity to act efficiently in operations of clearing, cleaning, decontamination and also by taking care of children that have been left to their own devices, as well as by building emergency camps.

Support the International Scout Aid

You can support the International Scout Aide in two ways:

1. Make an emergency donation to the Haitian Scout Association.

A special account has been open by the World Scout Bureau, guaranteeing the use of these donations. Food aid, hygienic products, medicine and materials of first necessity will be purchased by the Haitian Scouts in order to limit the cost of transportation and storage. The action will thus be safer and faster.

You can also make an online donation.

2. Send your donations to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction period:

As in every humanitarian crisis, the emergency aid is followed by a long period of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Haitian Scouts have had a long work experience with the United Nations System and other humanitarian entities, they will therefore be the natural partakers in the aid to their country's youth. They will need your help.

You can also make an online donation.

Support International Humanitarian Aid

If you choose to support the action of humanitarian agencies, we recommend that you approach those that have been long standing partners of the Scout Movement ( Red Cross, UNICEF ) that are organised and who have the necessary infrastructure to coordinate the support to Haiti from your country. It is unnecessary to give or to attempt to send products or goods that are not of first necessity. Please refer to the requests made by emergency crews.

Find out about the humanitarian actions of the Scouts of Haïti

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