amurtelhaiti

AMURTEL - ONGOING WORK IN HAITI

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:46:17 GMT

- BEFORE, NOW AND ALWAYS

Fund raising activity in Puerto Rico

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 05:24:41 GMT

English	Español
Ten (10) year old Miredy Rivera from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - imitates Michael Jackson. When she saw the images of the earthquake in Haiti she was moved to act - to do something for the children. She has had two fund raising activities, she has donated the money to the Red Cross and the event of September 3, 2010 to Fundación NeoHumanista, Puerto Rico. She will personally give the donation to Didi Ananda Jiivaprema when she next visits Puerto Rico.	Miredy Rivera, niña de diez (10) años de edad de Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - imita a Michael Jackson. Cuando vio las imágenes del terremoto en Haití se motivó a actuar - de hacer algo por los niños. Ella ha tenido dos actividades para recaudar fondos, ha donado el dinero para la Cruz Roja y de la actividad del 3 de septiembre 2010 será donado a la Fundación NeoHumanista, Puerto Rico. Le dará la donación personalmente, a Didi Ananda Jiivaprema cuando visite nuevamente a Puerto Rico.

Miredy Rivera, une jeune fille de dix (10) ans Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - Michael Jackson imite. Quand il a vu les images du tremblement de terre en Haïti a été motivée à agir - de faire quelque chose pour les enfants. Elle a eu deux collectes de fonds ou de l'argent à la Croix-Rouge et l'activité de Septembre 3, 2010 sera remis à la Fondation neohumanist, Puerto Rico. Il donnera un don en personne, Didi Ananda Jiivaprema lorsque vous visitez à nouveau à Porto Rico.

Child Friendly Spaces, Citron - Zitwon

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:57:49 GMT

Child Friendly Spaces, Bourdon

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:59:03 GMT

AMURTel increases water access for over 2,000 people!

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:53:31 GMT

AMURTel: AUGMENTE L'ACCèS à l'eau de plus de 2.000 personnes!

AMURTel LOGRA AUMENTAR EL ACCESO A AGUA PARA CERCA DE 2,000 PERSONAS.

Creole	English
	Last week Asa completed a water piping system that will be make accessibility to clean water from a spring in the Valle de Boudon area. This spring is used for cleaning and drinking purposes for up to 2,000 locals. This process took Asa about two days to complete and will be greatly beneficial to all the surrounding communities that depend on this spring for water. People were only able to attain water from the spring through use of hand devices, or they simply took directly from the rocks. This amounted to long lines to obtain water. This new piping system will also help get the people cleaner water, since it will go directly from the spring to the people and not down the side of the mountain. People now have access to 6 different spouts for obtaining water. Good work Asa!
Francais	Español
La semaine dernière, Asa complété un système de canalisation d'eau d'une source dans la zone Valle de Bourdon. Cela rendra l'eau potable accessible à 2.000 habitants, ce printemps, est utilisé pour le nettoyage et les fins de consommation. Ce processus a pris Asa environ deux jours pour remplir et sera très bénéfique pour toutes les communautés environnantes qui dépendent de ce printemps pour l'eau. Les gens n'ont pu atteindre l'eau de la source par l'utilisation de dispositifs à main, ou ils ont simplement pris directement de la roche ou en plaçant une feuille de bananier qui a agi comme un entonnoir. Cela équivalait à de longues queues pour obtenir de l'eau. Ce nouveau système de tuyauterie aidera également à obtenir de l'eau propre peuple, car il ira directement à la source pour le peuple et non pas sur le côté de la montagne. Les gens ont maintenant accès à 6 becs différents pour obtenir de l'eau. Bon travail Asa!	La semana pasada Asa completó un sistema de conducción de agua de un manantial en la zona del Valle de Bourdon. Esto hará accesible agua potable a los 2.000 habitantes, este manantial se utiliza para limpieza y para beber. Este proceso le llevó a Asa unos dos días para terminar y será muy beneficioso para todas las comunidades aledañas que dependen de este manantial para el agua. La gente sólo era capaces de alcanzar el agua del manantial a través del uso de dispositivos de mano, o simplemente tomó directamente de las rocas o colocando una hoja de plátano que actuaba como un embudo. Esto equivalía a largas filas para obtener agua. Este nuevo sistema de tuberías también ayudará a conseguir el agua al pueblo más limpio, ya que irá directamente desde el manantial hasta la gente y no por el lado de la montaña. La gente tiene ahora acceso a 6 boquillas diferentes para obtener agua. Buen trabajo Asa!
Italiano

BEFORE PHOTOS: Fotos manantial: L'eau de source:

DURING AND AFTER PHOTOS: Fotos manantial atraves tuberia: APRÈS PHOTOS:

Check out the amazing volunteers working with Amurtel!

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:59:34 GMT

We have been blessed to have the help of three incredibly talented volunteers, who came from different parts of the world to help out. They all come with different assets and have brought invaluable support for our work here.

Hemos sido bendecidos por tener la ayuda de tres voluntarios de un talento increíble, que vinieron de diferentes partes del mundo para ayudar. Todos ellos vienen con los diferentes activos y han aportado un valioso apoyo para nuestro trabajo aquí

Nous avons eu la chance d'avoir l'aide de trois volontaires incroyablement talentueux, venus de différentes parties du monde pour nous aider. Ils viennent tous avec des moyens différents et ont apporté un soutien inestimable à nos travaux.

Siamo stati benedetti per avere l'aiuto dei tre volontari incredibilmente di talento, provenienti da diverse parti del mondo per aiutare fuori. Sono tutte dotate di attività diverse e hanno portato un sostegno insostituibile per il nostro lavoro qui.

BENEDICT:

There was a big impact in Canada after the earthquake hit Port-au-Prince. Benedict was drawn here because of her connection to Haiti. She knew she had to see it for herself. Her friends and family were naturally worried and scared when they found out Benedict was coming to help. They, like many people, thought Haiti to be a dangerous place, so were really apprehensive about her trip here. Benedict after being here for over two weeks feels to be more aware of reality as it truly is. She feels more in touch with the beauty and power of the Haitian people, at the same time being more in tune with herself and what she can and cannot endure. As well as she knows her limits, she is not sure she would have been able to handle going through the earthquake of January 12th. From home Benedict plans to spread the message and raise awareness of the situation here. She also plans to come back to Haiti in the future. She believes if you get to a point where you loose faith in government, you still can have faith in people. She has seen more NGOs here than she knew existed. This has reinforced her faith that good people are out there.

Hubo un gran impacto en Canadá después de que el terremoto de Port-au-Prince.Benedicto XVI se ha elaborado aquí por su conexión con Haití. Sabía que tenía que ver por sí misma. Sus amigos y familiares estaban preocupados y asustados, naturalmente, cuando se enteraron de Benedicto XVI iba a venir a ayudar. Ellos, como mucha gente, pensaba Haití para ser un lugar peligroso, por lo que eran en realidad temen a su viaje aquí. Benedicto XVI después de estar aquí durante más de dos semanas se siente al ser más conscientes de la realidad como verdaderamente es.Ella se siente más en contacto con la belleza y el poder del pueblo haitiano, al mismo tiempo, estar más en sintonía con ella y lo que puede y no puede soportar. Así como ella sabe sus límites, ella no está segura de que habría sido capaz de manejar pasando por el terremoto del 12o de enero. De la casa de Benedicto planes para difundir el mensaje y crear conciencia de la situación aquí. Ella también planea regresar a Haití en el futuro. Ella cree que si se llega a un punto en el que la fe sueltos en el gobierno, aún puede tener fe en la gente. Ella ha visto más ONG que aquí de lo que sabía que existía.Esto ha reforzado su fe que la gente buena hay por ahí.

Il ya eu un grand impact au Canada après le tremblement de terre a frappé Port-au-Prince. Benoît a été établi ici en raison de son lien avec Haïti. Elle savait qu'elle avait de le voir pour elle-même. Ses amis et sa famille étaient naturellement inquiets et effrayés quand ils ont découvert Benoît était à venir pour aider. Ils, comme beaucoup de gens, la pensée Haïti pour être un endroit dangereux, étaient donc très inquiets au sujet de son voyage ici. Benoît, après avoir été ici pour plus de deux semaines se sent pour être plus conscients de la réalité telle qu'elle est vraiment. Elle se sent plus en contact avec la beauté et la puissance du peuple haïtien, en même temps d'être plus en phase avec elle-même et ce qu'elle peut et ne peut supporter. En plus elle sait ses limites, elle n'est pas sûr qu'elle aurait été en mesure de gérer en passant par le tremblement de terre de Janvier 12. De la maison Benoît plans pour diffuser le message et de sensibiliser la situation ici. Elle prévoit également de revenir en Haïti dans le futur. Elle croit que si vous arrivez à un point où vous avez la foi en vrac dans le gouvernement, vous ne pouvez toujours avoir confiance dans les gens. Elle a vu plus d'ONG ici qu'elle connaissait l'existence. Cela a renforcé sa foi que les bonnes personnes sont là.

Ci fu un grande impatto in Canada dopo il terremoto ha colpito Port-au-Prince.Benedetto è stato redatto qui a causa della sua connessione ad Haiti. Sapeva che doveva vedere per se stessa. I suoi amici e la famiglia sono naturalmente preoccupati e spaventati quando hanno scoperto che Benedetto era venuta ad aiutare. Essi, come molti, pensava ad Haiti per essere un luogo pericoloso, per cui erano veramente preoccupati per il suo viaggio qui. Benedetto dopo essere stato qui per oltre due settimane si sente ad essere più consapevoli della realtà come veramente è. Si sente più in contatto con la bellezza e la potenza del popolo haitiano, al tempo stesso essere più in sintonia con se stessa e quello che possono o non possono sopportare. Così come lei sa i suoi limiti, non è sicuro che lei sarebbe stata in grado di gestire passando per il terremoto del 12 gennaio. Da casa Benedetto piani per diffondere il messaggio e sensibilizzare sulla situazione qui. Si prevede inoltre di tornare ad Haiti per il futuro. Lei crede che se si arriva a un punto in cui la fede sciolto nel governo, è ancora possibile avere fiducia nelle persone. Ha visto più ONG qui che lei conosceva l'esistenza. Ciò ha rafforzato la sua fede che le brave persone sono là fuori.

EMMA:
Emma has worked in Calcutta, India as a volunteer, and has always had an inclination to help others. When she found out about the disaster in Haiti, she knew right away where she should be. She felt she could help, so she came to Haiti alone expecting nothing.
Emma was unfamiliar with Ananda Marga and Amurtel before coming to Haiti, so after arriving at our headquarters she thought she was in India. She didn't realize that yoga and meditation is a common theme around Amurtel.
Emma says there is a lot she will take from her experience here. She can better understand and feel human suffering. She sees how people are subject to suffering as warriors. She appreciates the ability of Haitiain people to smile amidst all the destruction surrounding them. From this trip she has learned different things about volunteers. She sees what it means to be a volunteer. She knows the struggles and difficulties of helping others. Through this experience she has learned about herself from seeing different aspects of human nature. This trip has awaken her to a double life: one here in Haiti helping the people and her life back in Spain. This has brought up questions such as: should she stay in Haiti? Is this part of her life's mission?
She thinks the most important thing that Haiti needs is for all people to learn to follow their heart. If people are able to listen to their inner self, the solutions can easily be accessible. She feels she can be of great help by being and example to the people through being herself. Emma shows people it doesn't matter who you are or what background you come from; she keeps her heart open for everybody. We are humans, and come from the same source. She believes there is exchange during human interaction. She works to create a connection during each interaction. Having a heart to heart relationship with people, she feels she can create symbolic moments that inspires greatness for both people participating.

ASA:
This survivalist was brought to Haiti from his desire to help people. After hearing about the earthquake, he thought this was the perfect opportunity to get up and do something, to actually make a difference. He feels this is destiny for him. He has found a new path for self and what he can do in the future. He now hopes to possibly make a career out of doing such work.
Asa is a crafty fellow that feels his ability to work with earthly materials plays a vital role in who he is and the work he does. He is an artist, and blacksmith is his craft. He thinks of himself as an old soul. He is a seeker looking for meaningfulness in self and life. He is inspired to help people and educate them to live simply.
After Asa arrived in Haiti he was surprised to see how normal and intelligent the people are here. He was overall impress by their personal hygiene and their interest in their living condition. He didn't realize how well they people dress and take care of each other. The people are not out for themselves, they are not savages, or ignorant. He fells they just need support from the government to improve the living standards.
Asa thinks the situation here is not new to Haitian people. They have been dealing with hardship for a long time. Now the area is getting lots of attention, but there is also large corruption to go with it.
Asa is a small talker, big walker type of guy and feels the best way for anyone to help is to just make it happen. People should come to Haiti with their skills and education. More than this they can bring inspiration for the people (Haitian) to work harder for themselves. Be a role model for the people of Haiti. As they see other people accomplishing various tasks, they will begin to see they can do the same things their selves. Also in the process of doing all this, other people in the states may become inspired to do the same.

Meet the Children of Didi's Home!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:51:00 GMT

CONNAÎTRE LES ENFANTS DANS LA MAISON DE DIDI:

CONOZCAN LOS NIñOS EN LA CASA DE DIDI:

FRANCAIS:
AMURTEL travaille hors de la maison qui abrite neuf orphelins haïtiens, dont deux ont été reçus après le tremblement de terre en Janvier 2010. Ces enfants sont NOS enfants. Nous devons travailler pour leur bien-être.

Êtes-vous disposé à prendre le pas en avant - et de faire un compromis à les parrainer?
S'il vous plaît nous le faire savoir.

ENGLISH:
AMURTEL works out of a home which houses 9 Haitian orphans, including two which were received after the earthquake in January 2010. These children are OUR children. We must strive for their welfare.

Are you willing to take THE step forward - and make a compromise to sponsor them?
Please let us know.

ESPAñOL:
AMURTEL trabaja desde un hogar que alberga a nueve huérfanos haitianos, entre ellos dos que se recibieron después del terremoto de enero de 2010. Estos niños son nuestros hijos. Debemos luchar por su bienestar.

¿Está dispuesto a dar el paso hacia adelante - y hacer un compromiso que patrocinarlos?
Por favor, háganoslo saber.

,

They want to share with you will share your WITH THEM?

Ils veulent partager avec vous partager vos avec eux?

Ellos quieren compartir contigo, COMPARTIRAS TU CON ELLOS??

Toutes les photos sauf pour Raganuga et Vesudeva ont été prises par Asa Pickford. Il peut être contacté au asapickford@gmail.com

All photos except for Raganuga and Vesudeva were taken by Asa Pickford. He can be reached at asapickford@gmail.com

Todas las fotos a excepción de Raganuga Vesudeva y fueron tomadas por Asa Pickford. Él puede ser alcanzado en asapickford@gmail.com

Malika:
Malika is 2 years old and is the newest member of Didi's home. She is from an orphanage in Kenscoff and was extremely malnourished when she got here. In a couple weeks time, she has gained much of her health back and is in great spirits.

Malika est de 2 ans et est le membre le plus récent de la maison de Didi. Elle est d'un orphelinat de Kenscoff et a été très mal nourris quand elle a obtenu ici. En couple semaines, elle a acquis une grande partie de sa santé en arrière et est d'excellente humeur.

Malika tiene aproximadamente 2 años de edad y es el miembro más nuevo de la casa de Didi. Ella es de un orfanato de Kenscoff y estaba extremadamente desnutrida cuando llegó aquí. En un par de semanas, ha recuperado su salud y se encuentra en grandes espíritus.

Jyoti
We received Jyoti right before Malika about a month ago. She is 1 1/2 years old and was left with an aunt after the earthquake. The aunt, not having resources to take care of Jyoti, decided to bring her to Didi's home. She too was malnourished upon arrival. Now she is back to health and is practicing her first steps.

Nous nous félicitons de Jyoti juste avant Malik il ya un mois. Elle a 1 1 / 2 ans et est resté avec une tante après le tremblement de terre. La tante, qui n'avait pas les ressources pour s'occuper de Jyoti, et a décidé de porter à la maison de Didi. Elle a également été sous-alimentés à l'arrivée. Maintenant, elle est de retour en bonne santé et déjà pratiqué dans ses premiers pas.

Recibimos a Jyoti justo antes que a Malika hace aproximadamente un mes. Ella tiene 1 1/2 años de edad y se quedó con una tía tras el terremoto. La tía, que no tenia los recursos para cuidar de Jyoti, y decidió traerla a la casa de Didi. Ella también estaba desnutrido a su llegada. Ahora está de regreso a buena salud y ya practica sus primeros pasos.

Lolita
Lolita is 2 years old. She is the quickest one to warm up to new people. She comes running, smiling, laughing, and instantly makes new volunteers her friend.

Sarita
Sarita is 1 1/2 years old. Her nickname should be miss independent. She is a do it herself type of lady. She seldomly asks for assistance and many times refuses help during here daily tasks.

Krsna Kantha
Krsna Kantha is 3 years old. He is Tapeshvar best friend. A very cute kid, that has a smile that can make anybody happy

Tapeshvar
Tapeshvar is 3 years old. This kid has energy for days. At three years old he has an incredible personality. I walked with him in the neighborhood, and was astounded by the large number of people who called out to him.

Karmeshiarii
Karmeshiarii is 15 years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish, and English. A very intelligent young lady who wants to be a doctor when she grows up so she can help people.

Raganuga
Raganuga is 16 years old. Her favorite past time is singing. She loves being a typical teenage girl. She has an interest in traveling as an adult.

Vesudeva
Vesudeva is 13 years old. He is a great help around the house. He also loves to joke around and laugh. This kids always has a smile on his face.

Amurtel transitions to 2nd phase of disaster relief!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:06:47 GMT

Our team has been very busy adjusting for the second phase of the emergency relief by getting more organized as an organization and as a team, continuing disaster response for our 14 camps, and beginning to map out the mid and long-term goals for AMURTEL Haiti. This has meant employing 11 people, dividing responsibilities, and creating work and living spaces for volunteers on the second floor of the AMSAI's school. Also, a recent meeting with Didis Ananda Jiiva Prema, Didi Ananda Prama, Didi Ananda Usa and Didi Ananda Vimoha has formalized AMURTEL's present camp strategies and long-term goals.

AMURTEL Haiti will continue to seek collaboration with organizations, individual donors, etc. to meet the basic needs of the 14 camps we are serving for a period of time undefined. Most of our camps are dangerously situated along the river banks and flooding is inevitable. For preparation of any later disasters we have teamed up with OIM to register and account for the residents of these 14 camps.

AMURTEL Haiti has decided to establish a formal Port au Prince team committed to assisting the 14 camps find security, food, basic medical needs, etc. until we are better able to understand the long-term status of these camps. Already we have distributed over 2,500 tarps, 1,538 hygienic kits, given medical attention to over 1,800 people in our clinic, have had food distributions for over 30,000 people, including rice, beans, corn, and oil to parents of 200 students of AMSAI, and provided a daily feeding program of milk and cereal to over 100 children.

AMURTEL Haiti News - AMSAI Student Support Program - February 12th

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:16:20 GMT

In the weeks that have passed since the earthquake, AMURTEL Haiti has been responding to the immediate needs of some 10,000 people throughout the 14 camps we are presently assisting in Jobel and Lavale Bourdon. All of our efforts until now have been concentrated on bringing people basic necessities to survive the traumatic and sudden changes which have drastically altered the lives of Haitians everywhere, but most importantly right here in Haiti.

AMURTEL's 12-year history in Haiti has been through its support to AMSAI (Ananda Marga Special Academice Institution), a school formed 12 years ago, educating some 4,000 children with a philosophy which propagates love of all creation. It is with this mission that AMSAIs all over the world seek to acknowlege the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of a child through creative arts, meditation and yoga asanas as a way of fostering compassionate caretakers and leaders of our universe.

AMURTEL Haiti is helping AMSAI conduct student surveys to determine the status of these familes along with how we can assist them in becoming independent. We are currently giving special attention, curteousy of World Vision, to these families who may or may not be apart of the 14 camps we are serving by providing them with oil, lentils, rice, corn and wheat.

AMURTEL Haiti is inspired and currently considering activities for mothers which will provide skills training and capacity building activities which will enable them to become self-sufficient in the lives.

AMURTEL Haiti News - Updates - February 10th

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:45:18 GMT

DISTRIBUTIONS

Thanks to Mexican Foundation INICIA, AMURTEL Haiti is in receipt of 500 boxes of milk by Parnalat and 2,500 gallons of water from Planeta Azul in the Dominican Republic. AMURTEL Haiti's depot is stocked and continuing to fill up everyday as we continue to receive, deliver and distribute tarps , hygiene kits, water and milk to children and pregnant mothers and as many families as possible from the surrounding areas of Jobel and Lavale Bourdon.

Today I visited this distribution and acknowledge here the efforts of our AMURTEL Haiti team of responsables along with the cooperation of the some 800 people who stood patiently in line to receive hygiene kits for their families. During my visit to this distribution, I almost forgot what was happening. How could it be a distribution with everyone being so polite and patient? How could this be Haiti?

LATRINES

Our latrine project is certainly underway and very inspiring. I visited the camps of Juvenat 7 and Jobel 4 today where we are building 24 latrines in collaboration with Haven Partnership. AMURTEL recently provided Haven Partnership with children songs aimed towards inspiring them to care for, clean and use their new latrines along with having good hygiene habits like washing hands after using the latrine and before eating. Today I was able to particpate in the assembly of over 100 very excited and anxious children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old who were taught one of the two songs prepared.

EDUCATION

In light of the fact that children have been out of school for weeks now with no promise of opening any time soon and with parents beginning to express concern for their children's education, it was nice to witness the first activity organized for kids to date in collaboration with Haven Partnership. AMURTEL is very proud to be assisting in these efforts and is more inspired about launching the beginning phases of mobile AMSAIs directly into camps today. AMURTEL Haiti is conducting surveys which aim to determine the whereabouts of AMSAI students, their families and how AMURTEL can provide assistance to them as close friends of AMSAI and AMURTEL Haiti. For the AMSAI students already located, AMURTEL Haiti began distributing World Vision donations of wheat, corn, rice and beans to parents today.

SOLAR LIGHTING AND WATER FILTER

AMURTEL Haiti has started to collaborate with Sun Energy Power International an organization who we first met through Gretchen Wallace of Global Grassroots. Sun Energy has installed security solar lighting for our building entrance which has significantly provided comfort to us all here at AMURTEL Haiti.  Also we have been given an innovative and simple water filtration system which will purify 60 gallons of water at a time using a drum, pvc piping, sand and rocks.  AMURTEL Haiti is in the process of installing this filter for AMURTEL Haiti use this Friday and hopes to begin training and installing similar filters to camps in the next few weeks.   Sun Energy has also made a one-month donation of clean drinking water for AMURTEL and AMSAI students.

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Gretchan Wallace of Global Grassroots, an organization which is empowering women and girls all over Africa, provided a post-traumatic stress technique of relaxation and breathing to women of the 12 camps AMURTEL Haiti is currently helping and which was well accepted and appreciated by all.    We hope to collaborate more with Global Grassroots in the future once we begin strategizing social and economic development initiatives which will provide families a way out of the current problems which face them now.

AMURTEL Haiti News - Tarp Distribution - February 5th

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:55:53 GMT

I followed Lule, our community liaison person, out onto the field today to distribute tarps, continue the needs assessment strategy with the camps and check in on the latrines. Camps have formed wherever open space would allow and a lot of camps are very close to the neighbourhoods they fled. These camps take advantage of this by returning to their dilapidated homes and retreiving whatever they can to help with the construction of temporary housing. There is the sound of hammering and signs of collectivity everywhere. Some have come together to fix their own water sources, others lend a hand in constructing the shacks which form rows of homes now. As I walk through the narrow lanes between shacks, I see crocheted drapes hanging in front of doors and shacks furnished with beds, tables, chairs. I tell myself that whatever they had before life in the shack must not have been that great since everyone looks so comfortable, but not true. I know a lady who is huddled into a camp with her sister. She lost her husband and her child. They had a nice home and great jobs. Her husband was cut in half by a fallen beam and child dead from falling. Camps are not just for the poor. No one is exempt.

Today's visit to Juvenat 7 and our new camp called Bremon will benefit 100 families. These tarps will lay overtop the shacks of which are old metal siding, rusted with holes and not good enough to protect from rain and drafts. No wonder tarps are of high commodity on the streets of Port au Prince these days.

AMURTEL Haiti continues to adopt a distribution approach which places more responsability on camp committees by giving them small rather than large quanties to reinforce and encourage their own leadership abilities.

AMURTEL Haiti News - February 3rd

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:34:05 GMT

Thanks to IOM (International Organization for Migration),
AMURTEL Haiti has just received the following for distribution:

4000 plastic sheeting for 4000 families
(5-6 persons ,one family each)

2300 hygiene kits for 2300 families
(6 persons each kit)

Check back for photos from this distribution which we are organizing now!!!!!

-------

MEDICAL CLINIC

AMURTEL Haiti's medical clinic has continuously received patients for the past two weeks. To date our nurses and doctors have served approximately 1046 patients.

AMURTEL Haiti - Latrine Project Update - February 2nd

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:22:51 GMT

AMURTEL Haiti is working tirelessly to meet the desperate pleas of the thousands of families in neighouring camps, Jobel and Bourdon. Each camp has its own priorities, some need water, others need shelter, some need food, latrines, ongoing medical attention, etc. In the end, all the camps need as much help as they can right now. Today I visited a camp called Debrosse with approximately 600 families to see if they need or want latrines. I became very aware of their hardship during my conversation with their committee reps. Today I looked at them and realised just what a fragile situation they and their families are in. Can you imagine not having options? Right now, they have no future. For a moment, I felt like crying. I feel so much for these people and how difficult it must be for them. Every time Haitians get up, something kicks them right back down again. If it's not a corrupt government, it's a hurricane and if it's not a hurricane it's a bloody earthquake. But anyone who has lived here can tell you about the fight in them and its this fight that makes me stay here and share in the struggle. Even though things are hard, they get up every morning and do what they gotta do and I want to accompany them on this journey.

42 latrines are underway in three different camp sites of Jobel and Canape Verte in collaboration with Haven Partnership. Trenches are already dug, one for women and one for men with more for women. All latrine sites will include a washing station and a hygiene promotion strategy using children to pass the message through songs. All we are waiting for is the materials to finish the flooring and infrastructure. Work is expected to be completed in a few days. Approximately 26 people from these camps have been solicited to help with the building of the latrines including carpenters and will be paid by Haven Partnership.

More on AMURTEL Haiti's recent Food Distribution...

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:48:57 GMT

We forgot to mention that the Military providing security for us that day was from Nepal and Hindu. They were even singing kiirtan with us and the commander of the team actually sat next to the Didis to distribute food at one point. Ah, the memories...did I mention Didi Jiiva Prema continuously had inscense burning in the background during the entire event?? What an amazing day!!!

Photo Gallery

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:07:20 GMT

AMURTEL Haiti News!! - Amazing Food & Aquatab Distribution - January 30th

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:53:40 GMT

Words cannot describe how humble I feel today having witnessed AMURTEL Haiti's amazingly smooth food distribution to approximately 7,000 people made in collaboration with ACTED (Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development), UMCOR and Global Medic yesterday, January 30th.

Having experienced more than a few unpleasant and frankly barbaric food distributions in Haiti, I stand today proud to have been a part of the beautiful demonstration of humanity at its best during yesterday's food distribution to approximately 7,000 friends of AMURTEL Haiti. I believe the success of this truly inspiring day is a collaborative effort of the AMURTEL Team and the tireless efforts of Diana, Lule, Rajarshi, Rama Krsna and most importantly those contributed by Didi Ananda Usa, Didi Ananda Vimoha and Didi Ananda Jiiva Prema's extensive 12-year work, love and commitment to the families which we are now providing aid to during this time of crisis. It is noteworthy to mention here, that a volunteer from the community and a committee representative said to me during the distribution, "Don't you see how nicely everything is going? We talked alot to everyone and it's because we have a lot of respect for Didi. We want to show Didi we are people, not animals". I almost cried.

The distribution will provide two weeks worth of rice, beans, oil and salt to approximately 7,000 people along with a distribution of 150,000 Aquatab water purifiying tablets for 5000 people (31 tablets daily for 10 days). Beneficiaries of this distribution are residents of the 10 camps which AMURTEL Haiti is continuing to serve. AMURTEL Haiti is the first NGO to provide aid to them since the earthquake.

AMURTEL HAITI NEWS - January 29th (Pictures to follow shortly)

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:42:42 GMT

AMURTEL Haiti team, Didi Ananda Jiiva Prema, Diana, Rajarshi, Rama Krsna, Lule and such appreciated volunteers like Didi Cirismita, Ms. Didianne and Kunti to name a few have been on fire busy here at AMURTEL headquaters (the Ananda Marga School on Boudon) since the January 12th earthquake here in Haiti. With 14 days of non-stop rapid response to the now 10 camps which AMURTEL is not only working closely with AMURTEL has provided the following to date:

Medical care to 747 people
Food (Rice, beans, oil and salt) for approx. 15,900 people (approx 5,900 will receive food for two weeks at tomorrow's distribution)
4 Family size Tents
200 Tarps
32 Latrines for approx. 4,000 people (work began today)
Clothing (reived today and to be sorted tomorrow)
Clean drinking water for 5,000 people (distributing tomorrow)

About our Friends

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:41:25 GMT

Interview with Junior, 20-year old student, 25 January (14 days in camp)

It's really something painful to hear when Junior tells us that he remembers the day he left his house on Tuesday, January 12th for school and said good by to his five brothers and sisters as well as his mother, Leya, who had also left the house early to work as a cook at a nearby school. While Junior was on his way home that evening, thinking he would arrive to see his family's smiling faces nature proved to hold another plan. To everyone's suprise the earth shook and all the houses fell, trees lay on the ground and dust filled the sky covering the last rays of the sun. Junior, one of the fortunate ones, had not been physically hurt during those brief moments and ran alongside thousands of people that had now taken to the streets, crying and wounded. He had only thing in mind, where is his brothers and sisters? Where is his mother? One can only imagine how horrified he was when he couldn't even recognise his house amongst the other demolished homes and with his brothers and sisters trapped inside. His house fallen to pieces and not enough strength to get them out, Junior searched frantically for help and eventually stumbled across rescue workers who saved his five brothers and sister alive but with severely broken and fractured bones and terrible bruises some 18 hours later. It's hard to imagine how a a young man, 20 years old deals with such trauma, living in a camp without blankets, clothes, work, school, with his brothers, sisters and mother living but into a dark and uncertain future. So, if you ask Junior what's going to happen to him, he says "I'm waiting for someone to give me a job because I'm not going to leave. I don't know anyone outside of Port au Prince."

Written by Jean-Ronald Brutus

Interview with Dulus, 54 years, businessman, 25 January (14 days in camp)

A lot of people are finding it difficult to relax like once before since the catastrophe of January 12th in Haiti. As is the case for Dulus who I met at a camp without hope, seven children of his own, seven additonal kids of his brothers who died during the earthquake, his mother and his wife. He told us about how he no longer feels calm and how every time he hears the sound of a helicopter circulating above, he begins to feel tense and feels like running because he thinks things will start falling again. This fear makes him feel as though he is no longer living since he can no longer provide for his family. Dulus says he is starting to think that going to the country isn't a bad idea and would like to but he can't afford it. Moving a family of 17 from Port au Prince is not easy and expensive. I left Dulus sitting in a chair, taking medication for the stress he has now and without any idea of what will happen tomorrow.

Written by Jean Ronald Brutus

AMURTEL Haiti News - Tuesday, January 26th

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:31:19 GMT

15 days into what has turned out to be the worse days for Haitians, with thousands of people homeless, sick, scared, alone hungry and hopeless, today AMURTEL Haiti was able to bring some comfort to the 9 refugee camps found in the highly affected areas of Jobel and Lavale Bourdon.

Thanks to our Spanish partner Maye (Movement for Self-Management and Education) a relationship with AECID (Spanish Agency of International Development Cooperation) was made possible and today we were able to distribute 4 family tents to be served as care centres for pregnant women and their children, drinking water to the camps of Jobel and Lavale Boudon which do not have access to clean drinking water and 200 plastic tarps to be used instead of bedsheets. Also AECID provided us with 40 Hygiene Kits containing such things as towels, shampoos, toothpastes, toothbrushes, condems, combs, razors, water purifying tablets, feminine pads, buckets and toitlet papers which were all distributed equally amongst the camps.

AMURTEL Haiti News - January 24th

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:58:19 GMT

AMURTEL Haiti has been recently approved to start distributing food to over 11,000 people next week!!!
Not many communities have received help since January 12th, let alone a promise of food or water.

We are celebrating this triumph and working very hard to structure the distrubtion for success.

We have also spent the last week liasoning and networking with associations who wish us to distribute water, tents, milk and pampers to 9 refugee camps.

Our medical clinics and visits to communities is going extremely well. We have treated 509 people to date.

We have also been working closely at organizing the communties for our upcoming distributions.

Yesterday's walk through Port-au-Prince - January 23rd

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 20:42:49 GMT

The Haiti earthquake of January 12th literally brought down the walls from which we as a human race have used for centuries to protect ourselves from each other. Some would even dare say we've spent an embarrasingly enormous amount of time not being afraid of others but totally consumed and chronically afraid of ourselves, all the while cowardly disguising it with a false adoration of self. I can't help but see the distinct and apparent symbolism behind the hundreds of standing wooden structures in contast to the thousands of crumbled cement ones. Could this not be mother nature begging us to follow in her lead, by living in harmony with all that shines omnipotent perfection and love? Could she not be begging us to come out from behind our sky rises of fears, expose ourselves and who we really are and rebuild? And could it be that we are being asked to rebuild ourselves as we truly are and toss away the fabricated armor of untruths?

I walked around Port au Prince yesterday so to not become too removed from the situation here. I was so glad I did. Although I didn't see any dead bodies this time in the street, I did see signs asking for help, others marked "Jesus" and the smell of corpses still fill the streets.

The UN has been busy cleaning the area of debris which may even give some people the illusion that things are getting better.

And we have been hearing a steady influx of planes and helicopters for the past 3 days. I don't know why I was shocked when someone told me that Haiti has been occupied by the U.S. They're keeping a low profile, but they're here.

There is an eery feeling in the air. Some say it's like a cementary in Port au Prince now. I rode on public transport yesterday and felt a deep despair in people. But Jean and I feel as though it's a calm before the wake. People are hungry.

Haiti Earthquake - A world interrupted

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:34:06 GMT

On January 12, 2010, 4:53pm...

You, Us and Haiti Together - PLEASE HELP!

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:00:39 GMT

HELP Haiti

AMURTEL Haiti is committed to continuing to provide rapid response initiatives to the increasing misery currently plaguing thousands of refugees in Port au Prince. Of the thousands who have lost their homes, relatives, promise for a future and for those women who are pregnant, nursing newborns or for the hundreds of orphaned children, the elderly and physically disabled, the hungry, and the sick AMURTEL Haiti is running out of resources and needs your help. After only one week since the January 12th earthquake, the refugee camps are without access to purified water, toilets, shelter, food, clothing, medical attention, psychological counseling or transport out of the city or to hospitals and many of the camp sites are in vicinity of dilapidated homes and the stench of unremoved bodies. Please, there is still so much to be done and we need your help.

How you Can Help

Camps

People here have lost everything and are confused about what they're next steps will be. Most have lost children, parents, friends and relatives and everyone has lost their homes. When asked what they want, they don't know, expect the obvious, food, shelter, clothing and water. Medical supplies are also a must. Please contact the representatives below for more information on how you can help. The following will also go a long way:

Food
Dry goods
Clothes
Blankets
Solar garden light for around the camp sites
Kitchen supplies
Plastic Tarps
Shovels
Chistles (for breaking bricks)

Field Volunteers

The conditions in which AMURTEL Haiti's volunteer team are working under are extreme. Electricity and purified water is unavailable or sparingly available and due to constant earthquake tremors, our team is living outdoors under a simple tarp. While Port au Prince has not experienced any rain, there is the obvious threat which will likely worsen the conditions in which we are presently working in including the spread of diseases.

Your donation of the following items will be crucial to AMURTEL Haiti's effectiveness of our rapid response efforts:

New 4x4 Truck
Motorcycle
Laptops
Laptop speakers
Memory Sticks
Digital Cameras
Video Camera
Projector
Digital Voice Recorder
Tents
Mats
Blankets
Walkie Talkies
First Aid Kits
GPS
Folding Solar panel charger kits
** Solar Panels and Batteries (very important to maintain communication)
Office Supplies (Note pads, stickie notes, pens, pencils clip boards, white board and erasable markers, paper clips, staplers, three hole punches, file folders, white and yellow envelopes, plastic sheet covers, desk organizers and wall hangers, clear tape, heavy duty tape, etc.)Office Equipment (Printer, Scanner and cartridges)
Swiss Army Knife
Solar or wind up flash lights
Solar or wind up radios
Outdoor solar lights
AMURTEL Haiti Vests and T-Shirts
AMURTEL Haiti Hats
AMURTEL Haiti "Security" T-Shirts
"AMURTEL Haiti" Tape roll (used for labeling stock and on distribution items)
Rechargeable charger and batters (+AA, +AAA)
Water purifiers
Mosquito Repellents ("Relec" Brand)
Candles
Lanterns
1 Pair of Keens for men, size 8
1 Pair of Keens for women, size 7.5
2 Pairs of "Havaianas" Sandals
amplifier
Vitamin C Packets
Herbal Supplements
Energy Bars
Snack packets
Toothbrushes
Maxi pads
Hand lighters
Toothpaste
Hand sanitizers
Soap
Shampoo and Conditioners
Water bottles

Fundraising

Please feel free to take any and all information you find on this blog to assist us in raising money or collecting items.

How to Send your Donations to AMURTEL HAITI

Make sure to write Haiti under the memo section on all checks, to assure money gets sent to Haiti

Cheques may be sent to:

Joni Zweig 802.583.7663
email: info@amurtel.org
PO Box 232, Warren, VT 05674 USA

OR

Robert Hoffman for AMURTEL Haiti

AMURT Canada
110 Millicent St.
Toronto ON M6H 1W4

Tel: 416-588-8359

*** The Canadian Government will match dollar for dollar

AMURTEL HAITI

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:59:41 GMT

AMURTEL HAITI

AMURTEL Haiti headquarters is located on the premises of AMSAI Bourdon which is central to such slum areas known as Jobel and Lavale Bourdon in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As AMURTEL Haiti is dedicating all its efforts to Jobel and Lavale Bourdon along with surrounding areas, AMURTEL Haiti is collaborating with AMSAI, International Embassies, Associations, United Nations and other charitable giving organizations to bring a rapid response to as many victims as possible.

AMURTEL HAITI RAPID RESPONSE EFFORTS

Community Assessments and Organization of Committees

AMURTEL Haiti is working closely with the Jobel and Lavale Bourdon communities which is home to over 14,000 refugees and 19 camp sites. At the request of AMURTEL Haiti, these communities have formed mixed-gendered central and local committees so as to facilitate AMURTEL Haiti in providing regular and effective aid to the masses of displaced, hungry and seriously wounded victims. This will also allow for a multi-directional community approach which empowers and shares the responsibility and fate of these
displaced communities.

Medical Clinics

AMURTEL USA President, Joni Zweig (aka Didi Cirismita), has been actively supporting AMURTEL Haiti efforts by fund raising, coordinating vounteer teams across country and visiting providing Homeopathic remedies and first aid assistance, along with the aid of Chilean and American doctors who together have treated 390 victims of the January 12th earthquake in Haiti.

A closer look...

On January 16th, AMURTEL Haiti visited the highly impacted neighboring areas of Lavale Bourdon and Jobel. 75% of the population is seriously wounded and bruised and had not received any medical attention until AMURTEL Haiti organized a medical clinic on January 17th, just three days after the devastating earthquake leaving over 14,000 refugees destitute and critically wounded in the neighboring areas of Jobel and Lavale Bourdon. To date, AMURTEL Haiti with the aid of 8 Chilean doctors and 2 American doctors have successfully treated 390 men, women and children giving special attention to those victims with fractured and broken bones, sprains and serious wounds by splinting and casting, transporting victims to hospitals and providing antibiotics and homeopathic remedies.

Food Distribution

Since January 14th, AMURTEL Haiti has distributed rice, beans, cornmeal, oil, salt, pampers and clothes to 14,086 residents of Jobel and Lavale Bourdon communities out of the AMSAI school and its annual food supply from the World Food Program. The food was distributed by camp site and will provide one meal a day and enable families to eat together.

January 12 - The aftermath

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:26:20 GMT

Everyone at AMSAI is okay, although the evening is somewhat quiet with the children being clearly affected from the chaos. We've set up a tarp out front of the gated yard of the school where some 15 people, adults and children will attempt to sleep. We've heard now there had been more tremors than what Jean and I felt in Petion-ville and that one of our young boys, living with us at AMSAI, has not returned from school. We are worried but hopeful that he may have gone straight to his family's home. On this very nerve-wrecking evening, I notice that Didi's favourite little boy is extremely quiet and doesn't want to eat. He and the other toddlers are clearly affected, given their abnormal silence. We also have some 4 foreign doctors and a german sheppard named Tomar who they saved from a collapsed missionary house in Petion-ville.