Salvation Army International Development

This Easter Buy a chicken, not an egg

Betsy Pineda — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:18:00 +1100

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This Easter Buy a chicken, not an egg

Bekerk, buk buk, bekerk buk buk… bekerk bekerk bekerk buk buk
Oh Yehh! Dance chickky baby dance.
Buy a family in a third world country a chicken, and let's all do the chicken dance!

Listen to the Ad here

Buy a chicken here

Where are these chickens going?

The funds raised will go to East Africa, the recipient countries will be Tanzania, Mozambique and East Kenya.

These are agricultural communities, with a lot of poverty because individuals and families don’t have a chance to start a productive means of income generation.

There is a severe poverty and malnutrition problem in Tanzania. This is only one component of poverty alleviation for these communities.

And...

What about the chicken Projects?

Funds raised will go towards chicken projects which not only include the chickens, but the feed, cages, training and support. It involves planning with the community to ensure that the benefits continue well into the future achieving a sustainable income.

All project participants will be trained in poultry management with a focus on feeding and disease control.

The training will be provided by a vet, vet assistance or an experience poultry breeder. Each project participant will report back to the community on a regular basis to ensure their chickens are in good health.

Chickens are one of the major livestock contributors to improving family nutritional status and increase the income of households. Chickens not only provide eggs, but offspring for sale and to support gardening activities.

It is hoped that with the income children will be able to go to school and have the basic necessities like books and uniforms.

And...

Who will be benefited?

The beneficiaries of this project will be HIV / AIDS patients and their families without any income generation from Mozambique.

Orphans and widows in Tanzania.

Centre based projects, Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kenya

And...

How are these people selected?

The Salvation Army has existing presence in these communities, usually a Salvation Army church. With the assistance of Salvation Army staff, the church will work together with the community to identify potential beneficiaries; the most vulnerable.

In most cases the community as a whole decides who will be involved in the project and why.

And...

What's expected out of the project?

Income generated though egg production and chicken production.

Poverty reduction in these communities through income and knowledge.

Children participating in schooling and parents able to pay for the necessities of life.

Every time you go shopping, make your dollar count!

Alana Zammit — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:28:00 +1100

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Every time you go shopping, make your dollar count!

Ethical Shopping Guide

We live in a time of human rights abuse, animal cruelty, genetically modified foods and industry’s massive impact on the environment. These factors can often seem beyond our control and quite removed from our everyday life. However, the fact is that every time we buy something, the money we spend endorses a company and it’s activities, whether we are aware of it or not – and whether we like it or not.

By avoiding companies with a negative track record and instead buying products from companies that have a positive impact, we can send a strong message for change and support practices that make our world a better place to live in. Companies need our money to stay in Business – money talks, and your dollar literally is your vote.

The Guide to Ethical Supermarket Shopping is an essential handbook for responsible consumers. From coffee to mints, soap to cereal, The Guide identifies which products and companies we should support or avoid. And it's just $3.00

Purchasing the 2010 Guide can be done through the Social Justice Department. Please contact Robyn Evans at robyn.evans@aue.salvationarmy.org or on 92669882 for orders and requests.

60 years in Haiti

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:54:00 +1100

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60 years in Haiti

The island of Haiti is one of 15 countries that forms part of The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory where the Territorial Headquarters is in Jamaica.

The spoken language is French and the country is one of the poorest in the world.

The Salvation Army began its work in Haiti in 1950.

60 years of activities have made it a strong and influential body, with many well established institutions such as:

3 children’s homes with over 200 children in care
45 Basic schools with 2281 pupils
49 Primary Schools with 8599 pupils
2 secondary schools with 535 pupils
40 churches
A tuberculosis centre
A maternity home and dispensary
A Primary Health care centre

In one of the most vulnerable parts of Pot-au-Prince -capital city-, The Salvation Army has established a compound, where access to all needed facilities is given to the community. The Port-au-Prince compound includes:

A nutrition feeding centre
A Primary Health Care centre
La Maison du Benheur Children’s Home (house of Happiness)
College Verona High School
A Divisional Head quarters
3 Officers quarters
Cort au Prince Corps

Children sponsored in Haiti

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:54:00 +1100

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Children sponsored in Haiti

The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory will shortly release a new appeal to the Australian public to go towards help for the affected people in Haiti.

As we await prayerfully more news from Haiti, we will continue updating our website. Please check later for news from our sponsored children.

Haiti Earthquake

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:54:00 +1100

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Haiti Earthquake

Chief Secretary’s Report #1

January 13, 2010 7 am
Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe

Shortly after 5 pm yesterday a devastating earthquake shook the country of Haiti and all but destroyed the city of Port au Prince. Thousands are feared dead. The country is paralyzed with little information flowing to the outside world because of downed power and communication lines.

The Army’s Disaster Service’s Coordinator in Haiti, Robert Poff, was driving into the city when the earthquake struck. In a conversation with him on Skype last night he reports that his vehicle began to shake violently and he suspected mechanical problems, but then stones and debris began to fall all around him and the road became impassable. In the valley below he could see buildings crumble and a cloud of dust forming over the city. He will not soon forget the sound of people screaming and crying for help. Bob made his way back to the city on foot and began to survey the damage and establish communication with THQ.

At this time we are not aware of causalities to Salvation Army personnel. Most of the Officers were at DHQ to submit their monthly reports so we are able to vouch for their safety.

There is substantial damage to La Maison Du Bonheur (The House of Happiness) Children’s Home and all but one child has been accounted for. It is feared that this child may have tried to go home after the earthquake. La Maison is home for 52 children.

The DC’s quarters has collapsed and is inhabitable. The Poff’s apartment has been severely damaged and is also inhabitable. The DS’s quarters, DHQ, the Central Corps, and the School have been damaged but the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. The security wall around these properties has been destroyed. All residents of the city were instructed to remain outside for the night because of aftershocks and the fear of damaged buildings collapsing. The city is without electricity, land line and cell communication. Some internet service is available so Skype seems to be a valuable tool right now.

Offers of assistance are coming to us from Territories around the world and I am in communication with International Services at IHQ. It would be helpful if all Territories could post this report on their websites and encourage donors to give through their local or national Salvation Army headquarters who will in turn forward funds for us to make available to our team in Haiti. Other than the need for funds to finance a first response of food and water we will need trained emergency response personnel to assist us with organizing a command headquarters and putting a functional incident Command Team in place. Please work through THQ here in the Caribbean to facilitate effective communication.

As a matter of urgency the Territorial Commander, a Haitian himself, is planning to go to Haiti as soon as possible.

Visit the Caribbean website www.salvationarmycarib.org

Gift Catalogue ONLINE!

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:53:00 +1100

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Gift Catalogue ONLINE!

Christmas shopping, just one of the many things most of us will get done over the next few weeks of the year!

Yet an increasing number of people are seeking to give meaningful gifts putting others first...that's why we are excited to announce that our Gifts that keep on giving catalogue is now online!

You can do all your purchases online from your own computer, wherever you are.

Just create your account by clicking here and HAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

Mission trip to South Africa September 2009

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:53:00 +1100

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Mission trip to South Africa September 2009

From September 24^th – October 12th, our 7th Mission Trip to South Africa will happen. For just over two weeks, the team will have the opportunity to fall in love with the people of South Africa, whilst ministering to them through the Roots Conference in Johannesburg and serving at a local Salvo church in KwaZulu Natal, Durban.

The team leaders are:

Neil and Sharon Clanfield, Miranda Corps, Sydney

The team includes:

Joel Maxwell, Centenary Corps, Brisbane
Kelly Emerton, Taree Corps
Ashleigh Newton, Wollongong Corps
Jacqui Maunder, Waverly Temple Corps, Glen Waverly VIC
Wendy Ravenscroft, Pine Rivers Corps, Brisbane
Linda Gurry, Street Level Mission, Sydney
Anita Moyes, Westlakes Corps, Newcastle

If you are interested in Praying for Project 1:8 South Africa, or would simply like to receive updates on the teams progress while on Mission, send us your details below and we will keep you informed.

2009-10 Budget

Tony Auld — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:53:00 +1100

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2009-10 Budget

The 2009-10 Budget underlines the Government’s ongoing commitment to increase Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2015-16.

Australia’s ODA/GNI ratio is forecast to increase to 0.34 per cent in 2009-10, up from 0.33 per cent in 2008-09. It is expected to reach 0.40 per cent in 2012-13.

New Budget measures are directed towards responding to the needs of developing countries and communities adversely affected by the global recession and continuing food insecurity. New initiatives will also support longer-term development and capacity building efforts.

These measures reflect the Government’s view that it is in Australia’s interests to help support economic growth and stability, particularly in our nearest neighbours. This is particularly the case amid a global recession that brings its own economic and security risks.

Budget Highlights

Food security through rural development

The Government will invest $464.3 million over four years, with $38.7 million in 2009‑10, to support increases in food production globally and strengthen the ability of countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa to address food insecurity.

Australia was quick to respond to the global food crisis last year, making major contributions to targeted World Food Programme and World Bank trust funds. While this assistance helped deal with the immediate effects of rising food prices, addressing food insecurity is a long-term challenge requiring major investment.

The Food Security through Rural Development measure will help lift agricultural productivity in developing countries by working with other donors and research institutions using environmentally sustainable approaches. It will also improve rural livelihoods by improving the functioning of markets in ways that increase job opportunities and incomes for the rural poor.

The measure will also support social protection mechanisms to enable vulnerable people to better deal with natural and economic shocks.

Economic infrastructure

Poor infrastructure is a major constraint on economic development. The global recession has already seen infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region put on hold due to lack of finance.

Of the 3.8 billion people in the Asia-Pacific region, over half do not have access to sanitation and an estimated one billion people still lack electricity.

The Government will invest $454.2 million over four years, with $11.9 million in 2009‑10, to fund high priority infrastructure needs in developing countries. This will help economic growth and lay the foundation for more rapid recovery from the current global financial and economic crisis.

Making faster development progress in the Pacific

Following the Prime Minister’s 2008 Port Moresby Declaration, Australia is establishing Partnerships for Development to achieve better development outcomes in the Pacific, including more rapid progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.

Through the Pacific Partnerships for Development, Australia will provide increased development assistance in response to commitments by Pacific nations to improve economic and financial management, to better manage essential infrastructure and achieve better outcomes in basic health and education.

The Government will increase Australia’s aid to the Pacific and Papua New Guinea in 2009-10 to $1,091.9 million. Two important components of this increased assistance will be new budget measures on performance-linked aid and accountability and responsiveness of government. These measures build on other support for improved management of infrastructure, land and public sector resources introduced in the 2008-09 Budget.

Under Pacific Partnerships for Development, the performance-linked aid measure will support progress towards partner government reform priorities though additional assistance which recognises partner countries’ improvements in areas such as the quality of public expenditure, the proportion of budget addressing development priorities, the integrity of public accountability systems or the effectiveness of revenue collection.

Enhancing Australia’s engagement in other regions

The 2009-10 Budget will enhance Australia’s international engagement and support a more active role in responding to international challenges by boosting development cooperation in regions beyond the Asia/Pacific.

Australian ODA to Africa will increase to an estimated $165.2 million in 2009-10. This funding will help make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in African countries, with a particular emphasis on the high priority areas of maternal and child health, food security and water and sanitation. It will also support an increased number of scholarships.

The Government is also committed to helping rebuild a democratic Zimbabwe.

Australian ODA to South Asia will also increase to around $150.1 million in 2009-10, with a particular emphasis on improved health and education.

Australia will also increase its non-military development efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, providing over $650 million over four years in non-military ODA. Improving development and stability in these two countries is critical to Australia’s national security interests.

Increased development and humanitarian funding in Afghanistan will build upon the reconstruction program carried out by the Australian Defence Force in the Oruzgan Province. Australian assistance will also support the World Bank’s Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, which focuses on supporting rural development, local governance, education and access to microfinance.

Increased development funding in Pakistan will be extended to the border regions with Afghanistan to bolster counter-radicalisation efforts and provide increased funding for improved food security, rural development and national and provincial governance

The Government will also fulfil its election commitment for a debt to health swap with Indonesia through this Budget. Australia will cancel debt owed by Indonesia in parallel with Government of Indonesia investment in programs combating tuberculosis.

Multilateral efforts to stimulate economic growth in response to the global recession

With weakened global financial markets, major development banks like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) must step in to help developing countries minimize the adverse impacts of the global recession and reduce poverty.

Along with other international shareholders, Australia will contribute to a general capital increase for the ADB. These contributions will replenish the ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources, enabling a significant expansion in lending to developing member countries.

Australia’s contribution to the capital increase will involve a paid-in component of around $US197.6 million over 10 years. Australia will also take up an uncalled capital subscription of $US5.6 billion which would only be drawn down in the unlikely event that the ADB is unable to meet its financial obligations. Founded in 1966, the ADB has never drawn on its callable capital.

This concessional finance will help governments in developing country fund priority national development projects essential to restoring economic growth.

STEPHEN SMITH, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS. BOB MCMULLAN, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE, AND DUNCAN KERR, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR PACIFIC ISLAND AFFAIRS; 12 May 2009

Media Contacts:

Courtney Hoogen (Mr Smith’s Office) 0488 244 901
Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan’s Office) 0400 318 205
‘Alopi Latukefu (Mr Kerr’s Office) 0411 622 531
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590

Gift Catalogue 2009, Out now!

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:53:00 +1100

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Gift Catalogue 2009, Out now!

This year the gifts that keep on giving catalogue is better than ever!

Now you have multiple options:

To sponsor a full project all year round
To donate towards a specific area such as livelihood, anti-human traficking or child development
Or simply buy a single gift for that special occasion

Every day more and more people are desiring to make a change in the world and what a better way than through the Gifts that keep on giving!

Request your copy now by email to: aue-said@aue.salvationarmy.org or call us on 02 9266 9775

Place your order via phone or download the form here and send it via fax. Online payment facilities are on the way!

Preview of the gift catalogue here.

Life in the midst of Destruction

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:40:00 +1100

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Life in the midst of Destruction

A beautiful baby girl was delivered at The Salvation Army clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti!
She is the first baby to be born in the area following the tragic earthquake. What wonderful proof that amidst much death and destruction, there is also new life!

Haiti Report 20 Jan

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:40:00 +1100

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Haiti Report 20 Jan

Haiti Earthquake Relief

Chief Secretary’s Report
Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe
January 20, 2010

More than 700 Salvation Army workers permanently stationed in Haiti are being supported in their Earthquake disaster response efforts by an International Salvation Army team. Yesterday officers and volunteers served 10,000 meals. More meals of rice and beans arrived today but these had to be handed out in an un-orderly fashion because it came in large bags and needed to be rationed out.

Today the area was rocked by yet another earth quake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale. This aftershock is posing problems for relief workers and their attempts to distribute much needed food and water.

The Area

The area in which The Salvation Army is working is the 2nd most dangerous area in Delmas/St. Martin, Port-au-Prince. It is considered very dangerous and the press is being told to stay away from it. This accounts for the limited media coverage The Salvation Army’s operation is receiving.
Because of the danger in the area it is also quite difficult to receive deliveries for distribution.
While there are definite security issues we estimate that 10,000 - 15,000 people in the area are looking to The Salvation Army for assistance.

The Clinic

The clinic is on the same compound as the distribution and feeding center but it too is up and running in fine form. It is amazing how well things were organized in such a short time, in fact, immediately after the earth quake the clinic began functioning as a triage with victims showing up immediately for treatment. The medical team served 200+ patients on Monday and approximately 300 patients on Tuesday. Unfortunately the clinic is running short on supplies. They were able to set up 2 surgical rooms for major injuries. There are 8 doctors working at the clinic. Another baby was born in the clinic early this morning. These Doctors are but a few of the dozens of doctors, nurses and other medical specialists from the United States, Canada , the U.K and other countries serving hundreds of people each day in Port au Prince and elsewhere in Haiti.

Tents

The team has been able to set up tents on the Army’s compound with plans in place for the arrival of additional tents.

Supplies

The team is in urgent need of medical supplies, food, water, and personal hygiene items. The Salvation Army in Jamaica has prepared four large containers, over 2000 boxes to join a shipment from Food for the Poor. The containers will be shipped by boat from Kingston to arrive at either Cap Haitia or Port au Prince. Salvation Army Divisions throughout the Caribbean Territory are joining with other churches and NGOs to raise funds and supplies for shipment to our workers in Haiti.

Volunteers

The situation on the ground in Haiti remains very unstable with security posing a major challenge for all relief agencies and aftershocks rendering it unsafe to approach buildings that have been damaged by the first quake. It is for this reason that The Salvation Army is delaying the deployment of additional personnel other than those who are specifically invited to join the existing team because their skills are deemed essentially to the current operation. All territories are requested to urge potential volunteers to be patient and by no means to arrive in Haiti without the prior consent of the Caribbean Territory in consultation with the command team in Haiti. The Salvation Army is committed to long term support and redevelopment of the country of Haiti and wishes to assure qualified volunteers around the world that their services will be utilized as the situation improves.

Haiti Response in Images

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:39:00 +1100

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Haiti Response in Images

30 infants under the age of 5 months were found in the country side, housed in the back of a tractor trailer with no food or water for 7 days.
Although The Salvation Army's La Maison du Bonheur Children's Home sustained damage it continues to care for 52 children and is preparing to receive 135 babies and small children from another orphanage in the countryside. The children are now being admitted for ongoing care.

A beautiful baby girl was delivered at The Salvation Army clinic in Port-au-Prince. She is the first baby to be born in the area following the tragic earthquake.

Receiving food. An image of Hope.

Cheer to Salvos Emergency Team

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:39:00 +1100

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Cheer to Salvos Emergency Team

For more than a week the people of Haiti have been trying to cope with the pain and suffering caused by a devastating earthquake. As often in such circumstances, local Salvation Army personnel were immediately on hand to assist people, despite experiencing agonies, bereavements and losses of their own. The more than 700 Salvation Army workers are now being supported by international team members who have experience of working in disaster relief situations.

The international personnel deployed to the scene are based in the capital, Port-au-Prince, at The Salvation Army compound in St Martin.

Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe (Chief Secretary, Caribbean Territory) says the area The Salvation Army is working in is considered to be one of the most dangerous in Port-au-Prince. For security reasons the press have been warned by local authorities to keep clear but this has meant that The Salvation Army has had little coverage in the international media reports from Haiti.

The Salvation Army has had a ministry in St Martin for 60 years and is well respected and appreciated. The compound includes administration buildings, worship halls, a school, children’s home, a feeding programme and a medical clinic. Many of the buildings were badly damaged and some rendered completely unusable by the earthquake. Nevertheless, the area is being well used to coordinate the emergency response, food distribution, medical services and general care and support of local people.

The Salvation Army clinic is at full stretch due to the many people in need of medical attention and aftercare. The clinic is on the same compound as the distribution and feeding centre.

Lieut-Colonel Rowe says: 'It is amazing how well things were organised in such a short time. Immediately after the earthquake the clinic began functioning as a triage station, with victims showing up immediately for treatment. A medical team from the USA was able to set up two surgical rooms for major injuries. There are eight doctors working at the clinic and the team treated more than 200 patients on Monday (18 January) and approximately 300 patients on Tuesday. Unfortunately they are running short on supplies.'

In the midst of all the chaos and confusion of a disaster area, the clinic staff are rejoicing in the birth of three babies this week. Lieut-Colonel Mike Caffull, The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services Coordinator from International Headquarters, London, is on site assisting with the organisation of the Salvation Army response. 'In a place where there has been so much death and pain,' he says, 'it is wonderful to see the evidence of new life.'

A large sports ground immediately behind the Salvation Army compound has become home to almost 12,000 people, who are gradually creating family spaces. It is very cramped and without essential services. This community is the main focus of the response coordinated by The Salvation Army in Port-au-Prince, although plans are being made for satellite operations in other towns and cities.

To date the team at the compound has distributed food for up to 18,000 people, organised drinking water to be available in the sports field, given out clothing and provided tents. More tents should be arriving soon.

One of the outcomes of the earthquake and the many aftershocks is that the local population is too afraid to enter any buildings. Most people continue to live and sleep outside on streets, in parks and in compounds away from any potential danger from falling masonry. An aftershock measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit the region, causing new problems for relief workers in their attempts to distribute much-needed food and water.

Major Hubert Murat (corps officer [church minister] at Port-au-Prince Central Corps) says: 'It is tragic to see so many of the people in our immediate community suffering so much and coping in primitive conditions. We are doing our best to deal with their immediate needs and our officers in the city are coming alongside them with pastoral support.'

Lieut-Colonel Caffull has been amazed by the resilience of the local people who are endeavouring to try and live as normally as possible in the aftermath of the earthquake. He reports that markets are operating, small businesses are re-opening and new ones starting. Despite shortages of essentials, he says, people are calmly seeking the best way forward.

The team is in urgent need of medical supplies, food, water and personal hygiene items. The Salvation Army in Jamaica has prepared four large containers, to join a shipment from Food for the Poor. The containers will be shipped by boat from Kingston to arrive at either Cap Haitia or Port-au-Prince. Salvation Army divisions throughout the Caribbean Territory are joining with other churches and non-government agencies to raise funds and provide supplies for shipment to the team in Haiti.

Because of the security situation The Salvation Army is delaying the deployment of additional personnel except for those with specific emergency response experience. Lieut-Colonel Rowe is grateful for the number of Salvationists and friends around the world who have offered to help in Haiti but he urges patience for now in the knowledge that 'The Salvation Army is committed to long-term support and redevelopment of Haiti'. He assures qualified volunteers that 'their services will be utilised as the situation improves'.

The international Salvation Army and public have responded generously. Colonel Onal Castor, Territorial Commander for the Caribbean Territory, says: 'My officers are so encouraged by the support they are receiving from the international Salvation Army.'

Lieut-Colonel Caffull concludes: 'The problems are great – the need at times overwhelming. We know that people want to help but, at present, the best way is by giving financial assistance and by continuing to pray for the people of Haiti and those trying to help them.'

From reports by Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe and Lieut-Colonel Mike Caffull

Haiti Report 23 January

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:39:00 +1100

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Haiti Report 23 January

Haiti Earthquake Relief
Chief Secretary’s Report #5
Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe

January 23, 2010

More than 700 Salvation Army workers permanently stationed in Haiti are being supported in their Earthquake disaster response efforts by an International Salvation Army team.

Distribution Centers

To date the team has been using as their distribution center The Salvation Army’s facilities in Delmas 2, St. Martin area of Port au Prince, known to be one of the more dangerous areas of Port au Prince. Thousands of people are making their home in a large soccer field behind the main Salvation Army compound in this area and emergency teams have been concentrating their efforts on this group.

Registration of this group, estimated at 12,000 people, has now begun. This registration is important as UN deliveries of food rations will eventually become tied to numbers of registered people in any given district.
Food and water from the Army’s first major shipment of relief supplies was delivered to Port-au- Prince after having been brought over land by UPS trucks from Santo Domingo.
The Army has distributed more than 24,000 meal kits to families occupying the field. The meal kits, provided by the United Nations World Food Program, are enough to supply a family with five days of food. A 10,000 gallon water purification system is also operational. A mobile canteen also distributes food and water to villages and outlying areas of the city. 4,000 pairs of light weight shoes (“ducks”) were distributed to survivors. United Nations security personnel have been providing assistance to ensure an efficient and orderly distribution process.

Team members continue to attend UN ‘Cluster Meetings’ in order to coordinate our relief activities with other major organizations and ensure the most efficient use of resources and most efficient allocation of precious relief materials and services. Food and Water will be distributed as soon as logistics for an orderly distribution are arranged and coordinated with the support of the UN.
Today, the UN Shelter Cluster designated TSA as the ‘lead agency’ for the soccer stadium and another ‘plaza’, both adjacent to the Army’s compound. This designation gives The Salvation Army official responsibility to care for over 20,000 people who have been made homeless by the earthquake.
Workers on the ground have observed that food is such a desperate need that many people, though seriously injured, will line up to receive food BEFORE seeking medical treatment because they feel the lack of food is the greater threat to their immediate survival.

Another 295 families were given medical treatment today. More than 1,200 people have been given medical aid by The Salvation Army doctors, nurses, paramedics and other specialists trained in medical care. These medical teams have delivered several babies at the main compound and have also been dispatched to various orphanages in the area to assist children and infants who have received little help since the earthquake.
We have now received word that an assessment team including two Haitian-born Salvation Army Officers presently serving in appointments the USA, a medical person who is working in the Army’s medical clinic in Port au Prince, and two Haitian Salvation Army Officers are looking for opportunities to add Petit Goave to the Army’s service delivery sites. Petit Goave is a small town some 68 Kilometers south of Port au Prince. It has a population of 12,000 and was very badly damaged by the earthquake. It has been very difficult for aid to reach the area because of excessive debris which has blocked the roadways.

Supplies

We are encouraged to see that opportunities for shipping and receiving aid supplies are beginning to increase. The main dockyard area of Port au Prince which had been rendered unusable by the earthquake is now being repaired and is becoming accessible to supply boats. Supplies are also being shipped by air via Santo Domingo and delivered by road to Port au Prince.

Four 40’ containers of food, water and personal hygiene items arriving from Jamaica will reach the city via Lafiteau, a small port area just 12 miles from Port au Prince. The shipment is due to arrive on Tuesday. Two these containers have been prepared by the Caribbean Territory and will be distributed by The Salvation Army team in Port au Prince.

A second major shipment of more than 80,000 pounds of emergency food and water is en route via the Santo Domingo air port. The shipment consists of 20 pallets of food that will provide more than 91,000 meals in addition to water—packaged in ½ liter bottles and gallon jugs. The flight is being arranged by SAWSO and facilitated through UPS.

Small planes containing medical supplies and Salvation Army relief workers have been arriving in Haiti from Miami since Friday, January 15.

School to reopen tomorrow

In a small sign that life will return to normal, more than a week after Haiti’s earthquake, The Salvation Army will re-open a school in a temporary site at the our compound in Port au Prince. Two of the school’s main buildings were destroyed in the earthquake and people are too terrified to enter buildings that are still standing. Still, Salvation Army relief workers will provide children aged three to six years old with security, nutrition and medical assistance as needed, in a make-shift school day.

Prior to the earthquake, 1,500 children attended The Salvation Army school, sponsored by Kindernothilfe (KNH), each day. The Salvation Army will offer day-to-day schooling and support for hundreds of children aged three to six years old in the coming weeks.

Volunteers

Hundreds of volunteers continue to show up at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica. Here they receive, sort and repack the many donations of food and clothing that arrive at the Army’s Disaster Services Warehouse.

The Salvation Army is working with the Haitian government, the U.S. Military, FEMA, the United Nations, other NGOs and its corporate partners to implement a broad response to the disaster.

We continue to be deeply moved by the support the Caribbean Territory is receiving from around the world.

Our most urgent needs are for prayer and finances to sustain a long term commitment to rebuild a better Haiti.

A call to prayer for Haiti

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:38:00 +1100

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A call to prayer for Haiti

Sunday 7 Feb has been designated by the General as a day of prayer for Haiti.
The SAID office has prepared a Power Point Presentation which is available for download here: Haiti, a call to Prayer

Please join us in prayer for those affected and the people providing relief in Haiti.

Haiti Report February

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:38:00 +1100

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Haiti Report February

Haiti Earthquake Relief

Chief Secretary’s Report #6
Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe

February 02, 2010

Nothing could have prepared me for what I would see and experience as I arrived in the crumbled city of Port au Prince. Not even the very graphic images and candid commentary brought into my living room via television and the internet proved to have a desensitizing influence. The sights, sounds, and smells of an on-the-ground experience confronted me with the magnitude of this earthquake like no other medium possibly could. The city of Port au Prince lies in ruin, a mass of rubble and debris. Many of the buildings that appear to have survived the 33 seconds when the earth trembled are in fact structurally compromised and will need to be destroyed.

Driving around the city with the Divisional Commander, Major Lucien Lamartiniere, whose quarters has been totally destroyed, I am shown the 100 year old Anglican Cathedral, the architectural pride of the city, now with only one exterior wall still standing. Here is a primary school where three hundred children participated in an after school program. No one survived and the bodies still lie under the rubble. There is the Presidential Palace, toppled and torn. Over there is the Ministry of Finance building, completely destroyed and to my left, a group of men use a sledgehammer to retrieve rebar to rebuild their shattered home. The destruction is not isolated, it is on every street and everyone is affected.

The Salvation Army compound which in the heart of one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of the city, is made up of a school for 1500 students, a children’s home for 52 orphans, a medical clinic that serves over 200 patients each day, a corps building with a seating capacity of 1000, the Divisional Headquarters for the Haiti Division with several staff apartments and a conference centre, several unattached officers’ quarters and an administration building. We have now been informed by a group of engineers from the Turks and Caicos that all but the school building have been structurally compromised and will need to be destroyed. A very preliminary and perhaps conservative estimate puts reconstruction at five million USD. We have been advised not to use these buildings and to demolish them as soon as possible for fear they may collapse. We have now rented alternate space for DHQ and have relocated to these facilities as of Friday, January 29^th. Upon first glance these buildings look fine but closer examination reveals that the foundation and bearing walls have been entirely compromised. It is my proposal that a team of engineers be consulted immediately to destroy these buildings before they cause further damage and loss of life. I would also propose that detailed programme study be conducted and architects employed to facilitate the construction of a purpose built facility that will more adequately support the mission of The Salvation Army in the Port au Prince area.

Distribution Centers

To date the team has been using as their distribution center, The Salvation Army’s facilities in Delmas 2, St. Martin and focusing on the 14,000 people who are making their home in a large soccer field behind the main Salvation Army compound in this area.

But on Thursday, January 28^th we began distribution in Petit Goave, 68 kilometers from Port au Prince. To our knowledge this is the first large scale distribution of food in the area since the earthquake. Reaching this area was no small challenge. The roads had been partially cleared by this time but still there were places where the pavement had been heaved by the earthquake and other areas where huge rock falls and debris had slid into the roadway making it almost impassable. When we reached the Corps compound the Corps Officers, Captains Reliere and Lynda Janvier, and twenty of the corps’ boy scouts were awaiting our arrival and a large crowd had gathered on the street with their distribution numbers in hand. The UN soldiers provided excellent security and a very orderly distribution of 500 boxes, each containing enough food for a family for a week, was distributed. The meals distributed are ready to cook fortified rice-soy casseroles. The families merely need to add hot water and the meal is ready to serve.

Assessment visits are being organized to Leogane and Jacmel to investigate the level of need and the logistics of extending relief operations to these communities.
An assessment team visit to the Le Bon Samaritan orphanage in Port-au-Prince resulted in a delivery of twenty tents and seven cases of food. A commitment to continue weekly deliveries of food to the 130 children there was made. Other orphanages in the area are also receiving visits to assess their needs.
In spite of receiving significant damage to the building, the ‘College Verena’ school located in the Salvation Army compound has developed a daily feeding program that serves 600 children per day.
Work continues with partner agencies to provide a package of comprehensive services and resources to the families sheltering in the soccer field and plaza adjacent to The Salvation Army’s PaP compound.
Classes are now held daily for 600 of the preschool and primary students.
Medical treatment continued to be provided to earthquake survivors with an average of well over 200 people being treated each day. The work being done by these dedicated doctors, nurses and support staff is truly amazing. I stood in awe and observed as they engaged in complex medical procedures with very limited medical resources at their disposal.
Fresh fruit and vegetables have now begun to arrive in Port au Prince from the countryside and the marketplace is beginning to draw customers again. This is very encouraging because these items are very difficult to import and distribute but essential to a healthy diet.

Late on Friday evening we received a call from the officer in charge of the US 82^nd Airborne Division requesting that the Army conduct a distribution in the most dangerous part of the city of Port au Prince. They agreed to provide security for this event and for the next distribution planned for Delmas 2 on Monday. Both distributions proceeded without incident and we now have a very effective and valued relationship with both the UN and the 82^nd Airborne Division. For the people receiving food during these distributions each event is a matter of survival. Most of them live in makeshift tents made of wooden frames and sheets or blankets as they are available. The UN is insisting that these families be moved into UN certified tents before the rainy season, late February/early March. This is a good idea but reality reminds us that there are simply not enough such tents available worldwide to meet the demand.

Port au Prince has become a city of tents. Even those whose homes are structurally sound will not sleep or cook inside choosing rather to pitch a tent and build a fire in the back yard. One dear retired officer, Major Catherine Pacquette 86, a recipient of the Order of the Founder, came to DHQ by taxi to request a tent and a sleeping mat. “My house is fine but there is no sleep inside.”

Children have a way of finding fun in the most difficult of circumstances.

“Richard Deris and Wasnel Samuel Guirand are living temporarily in a tent outside the Salvation Army Haiti Divisional Headquarters in Port-au-Prince.

It’s breezy in Port-au-Prince and it’s boring “living temporarily in a tent”. But for centuries a breeze anywhere in the world has attracted children and their kites. But, Richard and Wasnel had no kite and they have no money with which to buy one. So they made their own. Using a discarded garbage bag, strips of cloth salvaged from the near-by trash canal and striping the middle spine of a coconut palm leaf they fashioned small kites which catch the wind and provide hours of play and relief from the boredom of their present circumstances.

“Go Fly a Kite is no statement of dismissal in Haiti. It’s a call to have fun because the sun is out and the breeze is blowing.” Lieut. Colonel Danny Morrow.

To date The Salvation Army has distributed some 750,000 meals and provided medical attention to over 250 patients a day at its clinic in Delmas 2.

Please pray for our officers. They are in need of pastoral care and support, but their pastors are at best wounded healers with scars of their own that need urgent attention. We have requested assistance in providing pastoral care and counseling where needed.

The Salvation Army continues to forge partnerships with other NGOS and government agencies to more effectively manage what is an ongoing and complex emergency relief operation.

Report Haiti 18 Jan

Betsy Pineda — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +1100

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Report Haiti 18 Jan

The Salvation Army personnel in Haiti responded immediately, offering as much assistance as possible, including shelter, food and clean water. The Army's administrative compound is being used as an emergency operations centre with people sleeping in the parking lot.

Teams from Salvation Army worldwide are going into Haiti this week to help with relief efforts. Pray for safe passage and for cargo flights carrying food and aid to arrive safely.

Donate

So far The Salvation Army in Australia has pledged $150,000 to assist those devastated by the earthquake.

To support the Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake appeal visit www.salvos.org.au

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Medicine and Meals

Betsy Pineda — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:58:00 +1100

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Medicine and Meals

22 Jan

Since The Salvation Army disaster response team arrived in Haiti on January 15, they have distributed in total more than 14,000 meal kits to families in Port-au-Prince, which are enough to supply a family with five days worth of food.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, approximately 256 people received medical treatment, bringing the total to greater than 600 who have been treated by Salvation Army medical doctors, nurses, paramedics, and trained specialists. Ailments suffered by earthquake victims include fractures, dislocations, open wounds and lacerations, crush injuries, respiratory illnesses, diarrhea, stress-related problems and many other difficult issues.

The Salvation Army’s Team Leader Major George Polarek said food is such a desperate need that more often than not, people with even severe wounds will line up to receive food BEFORE seeking medical treatment because they feel that the lack of food is the greater threat to their immediate survival. Some field staff have reported patients getting up and leaving in the middle of treatment when they learn food distribution is about to begin.

The Salvation Army is continuing to disperse aid as quickly as possible so that Haitians won’t feel they must choose between one and the other. In addition to the thousands of meal kits and medical treatments already administered, The Salvation Army:

Sent a cargo plane containing medical and other supplies, as well as a small plane of relief workers to Port Au Prince that arrived Wednesday.
Secured, organized, and staged massive shipments of water, food, sheltering and other emergency supplies for shipment to Haiti and distribution through 4 existing Aid Centers.
Set up a 10,000-gallon water purification system at the main Salvation Army compound in Port Au Prince that is operational and serving survivors.
Is assisting thousands of people who have made their home in a large soccer field behind The Salvation Army compound.
Is currently considering options to establish a supply line through Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic due to the logistical challenges of getting large planes into Haiti directly.

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Letter from Haiti

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:46:00 +1100

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Letter from Haiti

Letter from Bob Poff, Director of Disaster Services for the Salvation Army in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Friday 2:43pm

Devastation in Haiti - Words cannot begin to describe the devastation that has taken place in Port au Prince, Haiti. I am the Director of Disaster Services for The Salvation Army in Haiti, and I am from the United States. My wife and I have been in PAP (Port-au-Prince) since April, and have fallen deeply in love with the country and its people. When the earthquake struck, I was driving down the mountain from Petionville. Our truck was being tossed to and fro like a toy, and when it stopped, I looked out the windows to see buildings "pancaking" down, like I have never witnessed before. Traffic, of course, came to a stand-still, while thousands of people poured out into the streets, crying, carrying bloody bodies, looking for anyone who could help them.

We piled as many bodies into the back of our truck, and took them down the hill with us, hoping to find medical attention. All of them were older, scared, bleeding, and terrified. It took about 2 hours to go less than 1 mile. Traffic was horrible, devastation was everywhere, and suffering humanity was front and center. When we could drive no further, we left the truck parked on the side of the street, and walked the remaining 2 miles to get back to the Salvation Army compound. What I found was very sad! All of the security walls were down. The Children's Home itself seems pretty intact, but our home, which is attached, is destroyed. Unlivable. The walls and ceiling are still standing - but so badly compromised that I wouldn't even think of trying to stay there. All of the children, and hundreds of neighbors, are sleeping in our playground area tonight.

Occasionally, there is another tremor - another reminder that we are not yet finished with this calamity. And when it comes, all of the people cry out and the children are terrified. As I am sitting outside now (Haiti has satellite internet), with most people trying to get a little sleep, I can hear the moans and cries of the neighbors. One of our staff went to a home in the neighborhood, to try to be of assistance to the woman who lived there. But she was too late. The scene will be repeated over and over again. Tomorrow, we will begin the process of assessing damage, learning about casualties, and preparing for the future.

God bless Haiti.

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Financial Crisis could trap 53 MILLION MORE people in poverty

Betsy Pineda — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:21:00 +1000

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Financial Crisis could trap 53 MILLION MORE people in poverty

Financial Crisis could trap 53 MILLION MORE people in poverty

According to a recent World Bank Report:

53 million more people could be trapped in poverty as global economic growth slows
Between 200,000 and 400,000 more babies could die each year between now and 2015 if the crisis persists
Some 40 countries are "highly vulnerable" to the effects of the crisis

Find out more in WBGVulnerableCountriesBrief.pdf

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Salvation Army International Development

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22 Jan

Letter from Haiti

Letter from Haiti

Financial Crisis could trap 53 MILLION MORE people in poverty

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January 13, 2010 7 am
Lieut-Colonel Lindsay Rowe