Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti that killed more than 200,000, and leveled countless homes, schools and businesses.
To commemorate the event, and draw attention to the fact that Haiti’s children must remain in our hearts and minds 365 days a year, today UNICEF launched a new project, Haiti 365.
People around the world can log on and film messages for kids in Haiti, pledging to work on their behalf and be their voice in the coming year.
So far, the site features videos from people in Poland, Russia, Brazil and the US, including submissions from Jenna Bush and Mia Farrow. In her video, Farrow says to the children of Haiti, “We care about you. And we plan to stand by you until things are better — and beyond.”
As UNICEF explains, “An entire generation of children is poised to see their country transformed, their lives given hope. These young people need to be listened to, responded to and accounted for. … If we fail to invest in children right now, Haiti will be robbed of any chance for meaningful recovery — we will have lost the greatest opportunity to have emerged from this catastrophe.”
UNICEF workers spread out across New York City today to film messages of support. On Friday, the only Haitian player in the NBA, Samuel Dalembert, will be in New York to speak about his homeland’s recovery. The UNICEF National Ambassador for Haiti will ask Americans not to forget the ongoing struggle of the Haitian people.
To make your video or learn more, visit Haiti 365.