PORT-AU-PRINCE — On International Children's Day, June 1, countries around the world celebrate the rights and well-being of young people. In Haiti — the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation — this day highlights a stark reality: countless children still lack basic necessities.
Surrounded by pockets of lawlessness and dominated by armed gangs, families in Port-au-Prince and beyond struggle daily. Food is scarce, makeshift shelters abound in unstable neighborhoods, and many children go to bed hungry more often than safe.
Education, once a beacon of hope, faces its own crisis. Frequent school closures due to violence leave young learners without classrooms, and parents must weigh the risk of sending their children into the streets against the promise of a brighter future.
Despite these hardships, Haitian communities and aid groups work tirelessly. Community centers offer meals when they can, and grassroots initiatives create informal study spaces under the shade of mango trees. These efforts, small as they may seem, are lifelines for families striving to rebuild.
Our correspondent Harold Isaac has witnessed moments of both struggle and resilience. As the global community pauses to honor children today, Haiti's youngest citizens stand as a powerful reminder: true progress means ensuring every child has food, shelter and a chance to learn.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
