Impact of Hurricane Hanna on Bibliothèque du Soleil

Dear Friends of Haiti Soleil,

Many of you have been sending messages expressing concern about the impact of Hurricane Gustav and Hanna on Bibliothèque du Soleil, our library in Haiti. Hanna in particular has become the deadliest storm of the season. So far 137 people have been killed by the storm. In Port-au-Prince, trees have been uprooted, light poles and electric lines are down, and many houses are now roofless. But as Josette Perard, Haiti Director of Lambi Fund, said, "this is nothing compared to the devastation which has struck other communities throughout the country." The city of Gonaives, in particular, is dealing with major floods and mudslides.

We want you to know that the library did not suffer any major damages. In July, a large tree that provided shade in the backyard was torn down by a heavy tropical storm. As a result, the commencement of the summer camp program was rescheduled for a later date. The summer camp program has indeed taken place, but certain events and activities were postponed due to Gustav and Hanna. The activities at the library have since resumed and the summer camp program has been extended for another two weeks.

Kids and students however are directly impacted by the Hurricane. Because of Hanna and other anticipated hurricanes, the Minister of Education postponed the opening of classes. Bibliothèque du Soleil is happy to be providing a space for kids and young adults to engage in educational activities as they wait for school to open their doors.

While the library was not devastated by the Hurricane, many of the patrons who frequent the library were not so lucky. Families, property and businesses in the neighborhood of Carrefour-Feuilles were directly impacted.

For those who are interested learning more about environmental concerns and sustainable development in Haiti, please contact the Lambi Fund of Haiti at info@lambifund.org. Lambi Fund has been working towards alternative sustainable development in Haiti since 1994.

Again, Haiti Soleil thanks you for your expressed concerns about our library and its patrons.

In solidarity,
Nadege T. Citandre
Executive Director
Haiti Soleil, Inc.