Forward to Life
The 2010 earthquake in Haiti separated more than one million children from parental care, turning them into refugees in the poorest country of the Western hemisphere. The devastating predicament of Haiti's children was further aggravated by the destruction of at least 5,000 schools and the ensuing collapse of the educational system.
To help alleviate this disaster, Forward to Life focused its efforts on constructing shelters which serve as class rooms and assistance spaces. The solid tent constructions provide room for about 50 children each, and are reasonably priced at 880 U.S.-dollars. Besides enabling a fast return to school and thereby providing earthquake victims with a certain degree of normalcy, Forward to Life helps ensure that children receive shelter, food, and post-traumatic care. Additionally, the initiative supports the search for parents who survived the earthquake, and for families who can care for orphaned children.
Support for the children was started by McKinsey shortly after the earthquake. Building on the success of the Haiti fundraising initiative of McKinsey's North American Offices, Forward to Life funded 136 classroom shelters through the donations from members of McKinsey's German Office. The tents arrived on time for the new school year, enabling over 7,000 children to receive an education who otherwise would not have been able to attend school.
The organization coordinating the efforts locally in Haiti is Beyond Borders, whose dedicated members have been helping children in Haiti for 18 years. Beyond Borders also has a pivotal role in coordinating the international relief effort following the earthquake and is a partner in Haiti for organizations such as UNICEF, SAVE the Children, and the International Rescue Committee.
