News from the Field
December 21, 2012
Recovering from the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti, Petit Goave Rebuilds Its Water System
The massive earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010 destroyed the water system of Petit Goave, a coastal city near the quake’s epicenter. Now, thanks to a UNICEF-supported effort, the water system has been rebuilt with new pipes and new safety measures to reduce the likelihood of future water shortages. One of the beneficiaries is Tayet Rousseau, a mother of three whose business selling small goods was destroyed in the earthquake. Rousseau now has a water tap that delivers clean, safe water to the front yard of her modest home.
December 20, 2012
Syrian Refugee Children Are Dying, They Are Hurt and They Need Healing, Says UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore
The number of Syrian refugees has risen to over half a million. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore has made an urgent plea for additional humanitarian assistance for women and children who have had to flee their homes—especially as winter has presented even more challenges. Temperatures are quickly dropping, and many children fled their homes with only summer clothing, and very few belongings. “Children are paying the highest price,” says Sir Roger. “They are dying, they are hurt and they need healing.”
December 19, 2012
With Its Early Childhood Development Program, UNICEF Builds a Strong Foundation for Refugee Children in Rwanda
14,323 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo live in the Kigeme refugee camp in southwestern Rwanda. UNICEF and partners have inaugurated new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers for children aged four to six. There, the children can learn and play, and receive healthy food. For children three and younger, locally trained volunteers run home-based ECD programs. UNICEF is also distributing ECD kits that contain 40 different items designed to promote social interaction among the young children, as well as with their caregivers.
December 17, 2012
UNICEF Leads Child Health Days to Fight Preventable Childhood Diseases in Somalia
As the sun rises in northeastern Somalia, teams of vaccinators, monitors and others converge at different health facilities, where they get their morning briefing and fill their vaccine carriers with vials and icepacks. They then disperse to ensure all eligible children and mothers receive a package of healthcare that includes immunization. This effort is the second phase of Somalia’s 2012 Child Health Days, and 275,000 children under five and 394,000 women of childbearing age are expected to receive critical health and nutrition interventions.
December 14, 2012
In Ukraine, a City Adapts to the Needs of Children with Disabilities and Opens New Doors for Them
This past summer, in Vinnytsya, Ukraine, a school was adapted to the needs of children with disabilities. A wheelchair ramp was built, and a street-level classroom and bathroom were modified. Some students were able to go to a school for the first time in their lives. These and other improvements were possible thanks to the Child Friendly Cities Initiative. Under the initiative, UNICEF and partners contribute to changes that make children’s lives in cities more comfortable and safe, including the lives of children with special needs.
