January 11, 2011
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As we count down to the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, we’d like to reflect on the stories of the individuals we’ve helped recover and rebuild their lives. This series of posts includes the stories of people who have been able to recover from the biggest catastrophe in their country’s history.

As we count down to the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti, we’d like to reflect on the stories of the individuals we’ve helped recover and rebuild their lives. This series of posts includes the stories of people who have been able to recover from the biggest catastrophe in their country’s history.

Bengi

On January 12th, the house that Bengi lived in with her three sisters, mother and step-father collapsed because of the earthquake. For four months, Bengi’s family lived with her grandmother and some other family members – a total of nine people living in a house the size of two sofas.

In April, Bengi’s older sister was finally able to procure a tent, where her family huddled together and prayed that the heavy rains and hurricanes wouldn’t wash away their temporary home.

Fondwa, where Bengi lived, was one of the areas severely affected by the earthquake. Many people had their homes damaged or destroyed completely. Dangerous landslides washed houses and livelihoods away.

In July, BRAC began a housing project in Fondwa. We worked with local community members and provided training on how to build houses that are earthquake and hurricane resistant.

We got to work hiring and training local staff and procuring local materials, thus providing an important boost to the local economy and teaching community members much-needed skills in carpentry and construction.

Now, Bengi and her family have a brand new house. As she sits out on the porch doing her homework, she has confidence that it will stand through any hurricane or earthquake.

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