Haiti: Prepare today to save lives tomorrow

„Talan pa kache“ – Festival for disaster preparedness attracts 4,000 visitors

More than 4,000 people attended the festival in Darbonne. Photo: Vincent Tremeau/Malteser InternationalFirst aid simulations were part of the programme. Photo: Vincent Tremeau/Malteser InternationalSchool teams demonstrated to the participants how to behave properly in case of disaster. Photo: Vincent Tremeau/Malteser International

A festival organised by Malteser International on 28 June attracted around 4,000 people in Darbonne, Haiti, inviting them to learn more about preparing for natural disasters. Under the motto “prepare today to save lives tomorrow”, the “Talan pa kache” festival aimed to raise awareness of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) among the local population.

A variety of activities were planned for the day in order to get the community involved. School teams trained by Malteser International demonstrated to the participants how to behave properly in case of disaster. An earthquake simulation showed those present what to expect during a real emergency. Children and teenagers were also encouraged to use their creativity and participate in a drawing and singing contest on the topic of disaster preparedness. A concert by Haitian singer Wanito, who sponsored the event, closed the evening.

“The festival was organised as part of a DRR project here in Darbonne”, explained Vincent Tremeau, DRR Officer at Malteser International and event organiser. Tremeau says the event was a great success. Many of those present also agree: “This was one of the best awareness-raising activities we’ve ever had here in Darbonne”, says Joseph Guanson. “It is a great initiative to get across an important message to the population”, Cimeon Beatrice added. And participant Pierre Diego already requested to work as a volunteer during the next event.

The event was made possible by the financial support of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany’s Relief Coalition (ADH), as well as the cooperation with Save the Children, Caritas Germany and Johanniter International Assistance.