Saturday

A long couple of days, exacerbated by a lack of internet. Back on line now, so can share some news.

On a small scale we've started targetting some groups in the camp for specific assistance. Over the last few days we've given food to many of the elderly and blind. Sadly a planned distribution of mosquito nets, condoms, hygiene gear and gerry cans had to be delayed for security reasons. People weren't happy, but we'll try again on Monday.

On a large scale, I've managed to get the quotes in and plans in for some big improvements to camp life. Hopefully with the support of the American Red Cross and Concern Worldwide we will soon have a sufficient drainage solution. The only hassle is that the city are insisting that The Salvation Army restore the soccer pitch when the camp closes. That will cost a fortune, but may not be a problem for a while. While there may be shelters built elsewhere that people can move to and be safer and drier, they aren't willing to leave their old neighbourhood to go to something else that is also temporary. Going home isn't an option, even for those whose homes can be repaired - they were mostly rented and if they get fixed the rent will be so high because of the rental shortage. So I think the camp will be here for a while.

We've also started to engage the local Salvation Army school and some other groups to create a back to school programme. Our ultimate goal is to get school attendance to be higher than pre-earthquake levels. At the same time we have to consider the cost of schooling (please consider child sponsorship), the cultural approach to school (less than 50% of children in Haiti attend school anyway) and the practicalities of child centred education that still meets the national cirriculum... while conducting classes in an IDP camp covered in mud.

Will be going to bed soon. The team are taking a combined morning off tomorrow to travel to a country Corps for the sake of a change of scenery. Mind you... raining again and if the storm gets too heavy we may opt to stay home. We'll see.