Viva Haiti!

Bel Air, Port-au-Prince used to hold the distinction of being one the most dangerous urban areas in the Haitian capital, an area where an international police force keeps watch 24 hours a day.

Today, Bel Air district is in the midst of a transformation to a more peaceful, self-sustaining community-a community that could potentially attract development and business opportunities.

The metamorphosis of Bel Air is not happening overnight nor is it an easy transformation. However, a high-profile Canada-Brazil collaboration is showing that it can be done, with the right amount of determination and community involvement. The experience could also serve as a model for other disadvantaged urban areas in the country.

Viva Rio, a Brazilian non-governmental organization, in partnership with Canada and the Government of Norway, is encouraging Bel Air residents to revitalize their marginalized neighbourhood through its Honour and Respect for Bel Air program.

As improved security in Bel Air opens a window to development, youth-oriented social and educational initiatives-including the awarding of educational scholarships and introducing positive outlets for youthful energy such as the Brazilian martial arts and dance Capoeira-offer an alternative to street gangs, crime, and violence.

Eline Joseph, a social worker in Bel Air, says that through learning about Capoeira youth are learning to develop self-expression and self-confidence. It is also having another positive spin-off: "youth from different communities that used to engage in gang violence are now meeting in a positive environment."

Community members are encouraged to address issues of concern in their daily lives and work toward a solution whether it's addressing youth-related violence or requirements for a healthier environment. Take, for example, the issues of clean water supply.Women form committees that manage water stations, which are open 12 hours a day. Residents and community groups collect rainwater from rooftops and supply water stations that pump out more than 13,000 litres daily to the community, including schoolchildren. The stations also create opportunities for women's groups to raise awareness about maternal health and to promote equality between women and men.

The greening of Bel Air

Meanwhile, monthly meetings are held among representatives of Haitian National Police, the UN-led international police force (MINUSTAH) which helps secure the area, and 20 community representatives who serve as the voice for the community. According to Daniela Bercovitch, program coordinator for Viva Rio, the community has recently launched a new campaign entitled "Bel Air Green" which is striving to change the security status of the neighbourhood from a "red" hotspot to a "green" cool zone.

"More than 3,000 trees will be planted to not only ensure an environmental "greening" of the community, but to help make a switch in people's minds from being always considered as a bad part of town," said Bercovitch.

Improving the security environment in the community is a fundamental key to Bel Air's future success. Viva Rio has established a forum for community leaders to discuss solutions for reducing violence, laying the groundwork for self-policing and encouraging all residents to disarm. The community of Bel Air has seen a 66 percent decrease in violent deaths compared to the period prior to the project's inception.¹ Viva Rio is also working to address the issue of violence against women. A first step is to support the staffing of a nurse at each of the eight rainwater stations supported by the organization; the nurse will help provide first aid to anyone in need, but with special attention to women and children who appear to be victims of family violence.

The project is consistent with the Canadian Government's strategy for the Americas, as it provides an excellent opportunity to work in collaboration with a Brazilian partner, in support of Haiti's development. This project is part of a larger neighbourhood rehabilitation program by Viva Rio, where Canada is contributing close to C$5 million over three years, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force (START).

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Note

¹ Tableau de recensement du nombre de morts violentes ou par balle sur les 5 blocs, 30 avril, 2009. A drop from 12 deaths in each year (2006-2007, 2007-2008) to 4 deaths in 2008-2009.