The NYA Blog
What happens next?
03 February 2010
Civil society responded to the emergency by giving generously. We sent medics, rescue teams and the armed forces to undertake the jobs they are trained, equipped and skilled to do. But what happens when these men and women leave? What will be done for the young people who will be amongst those most deeply scarred by this tragedy? NGOs will be in the field with a focus on supporting orphans, the very young, the sick and infirm. Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a coalition of nations to help lift Haiti out of its poverty. But its young people in particular will need support. It will take months, perhaps even years, before all Haitians leave the hastily erected camps. Even longer before families are reunited and lives rebuilt. Amidst all of this hardship and uncertainty young people are left without homes, work or an education. Much of Haiti's reconstruction is dependent upon these young people. They will inherit the legacy of this earthquake and it will be down to their resilience to overcome the personal and social challenges in the years to come. Every area of their lives has been affected and, whatever our organisation, we should recognise how and where we can help. There is a strong case for youth work in its most therapeutic and developmental sense to be part of the reconstruction package, but delivered by local providers. But how can our sector respond in a strategic, collective and sustainable way? In the UK youth sector we seldom talk about providing infrastructure support or forging relationships with logistical partners who operate internationally. We should be talking and planning for such instances at home and abroad. These are of course large questions that the government is grappling with. But they also go to the heart of what organisations such as the National Youth Agency are about. Perhaps we should be dedicating time to exploring the practical and ethical issues involved and designing and developing appropriate infrastructure packages to enable youth work to continue in affected areas. Ultimately, extending our reach to young people beyond these shores. Donate now to the DEC Haiti Appeal >> Dr Darren Sharpe is Participation Development Officer at the National Youth Agency.Is there a role for the UK youth sector to play in Haiti's reconstruction?
I'm glad to see how our inspiration is spreading across borders. yes Darren bring kids on board. they are the future. actually there is an Italian NGOs specilized in education in international development for kids which is looking at it. see http://www.africaemediterraneo.it/
Posted by Filipop the Great on 05/02/2010