Earthquake Response

Following the devastating earthquake in 2010, one of the few national organisations to respond was, surprisingly, the Haitian Scout Association. With communications cut off by the quake, teams of Scouts did what they were trained to do – they came together in their local groups, and fanned out among their communities, helping vulnerable households, and saving lives. When the foreign aid workers finally arrived to Haiti to help, the 45,000 strong membership provided the manpower (or “Scoutpower”) to help with the relief and rehabilitation programmes.

They were so effective that local communities now shout “Here come the Scouts” when these young heroes appear.

Their disaster response effectiveness is due to their community service in “normal” times in Haiti, where they are an important player in the social service, community health and environment programmes in Haiti.