“Premie Sekou” (“First Aid” in Creole) followed a group of volunteers during their coaching by professionals at Moulins-sur-Mer (Haiti). As a result, some trainees were able to intervene pre-emptively in nearby affected communities during the hurricane season. The documentary, produced by Internews Europe, explains the role of the volunteers. It has been shown to the concerned communities as well as to local civic leaders and media partners.

Recent international community efforts in Haiti have covered preparedness plans for potential natural disasters. Since January 2010, important achievements have been made to bring in safety and rescue equipment but also to train volunteers. As part of this effort, Internews Europe has implemented a national communications campaign to raise awareness and understanding so the population can find assistance in times of crises.

Other measures, led by International Managing Group, involves setting up containers, also called KPS, “Konntenè Premye Sekou” in Creole, filled with emergency equipment. These containers are being dispatched in over one hundred Haitian municipalities. Volunteers, who come from all over the country, were also trained to dispense the supplies as needed.  

“We already knew that our system was frail, notably because of the lack of technical competencies. The earthquake highlighted this fragility. We had no one to intervene. We had planned to train people but we didn’t have the resources for it” explained Abel Nazaire, deputy coordinator of the Permanent Secretariat of Risk Management and Disaster, before adding “For a country as vulnerable as Haiti, properly trained individuals makes the country safer.”