Helping Haiti

Haiti was the first independent nation in Latin America, the first post-colonial black-led nation to become independent, and the only nation whose independence was gained as part of a successful slave rebellion (in 1791). Today it's one of the least developed countries on Earth and so heavily eroded that its population goes hungry. Fifty-five per cent cannot read; 80 per cent live in poverty; and the average life expectancy is 50 years of age. In the past decade, more than three million Haitians have left the country, many for the United States. In view of the current crisis, the US has granted temporary asylum to all Haitian illegal immigrants.

The earthquake that hit Haiti on 12 January has caused total chaos in the streets, with bodies strewn everywhere, as voodoo, the popular religion that revolves around family spirits, prohibits burial before elaborate mourning rituals are performed. Doctors Without Borders say three of their aid centres are inoperable. Aid from around the world has begun to arrive, but the seaport is badly damaged, the airport has only one runway, and the communications system has been down. It's taken time to get food, medicine, and relief workers into the country. Will Haiti survive the crisis?

As countries and individual volunteers step up to help raise funds and provide crisis management, we invite you to do a listening comprehension exercise featuring Prime Minister Gordon Brown, President Barack Obama and musician Wyclef Jean. Find out what they are doing to enable humanitarian aid.

Anne Hodgson