Tag Archives: haiti

Non-Profit Organizations – Governments’ Partners in Socio-Economic Development

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Non-profit organizations (NPOs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) or People's Organizations (POs) to some countries, absolutely play a significant role in pursuing development-related activities, particularly in advocating endeavors that promote quality of life, whether in least developed countries or in advanced and industrialized economies.

As the name implies, NPOs, NGOs or POs are traditionally not in equal terms as that of regular business enterprises where profit is the end goal. Majority of non-profit organizations and other similarly situated groups (e.g. civil society, etc.) are not earning companies, in fact, they rely heavily on donations from large private profitable companies, philanthropists and generous individuals via fund raising efforts and campaigns. NPOs and its variants  have been established to support development projects of Governments worldwide, such as in poverty alleviation, environment, education, health, community development and other social services.

Throughout the globe, there are probably millions of NGOs, NPOs, POs and related small and medium scale cooperatives (farmers, fisherfolks, etc.) that are currently active and operational. In the United States alone, there are about 1.6 million NPOs based on the National Center for Charitable Statistics, with total assets of approximately $2.6 trillion. The bulk of the non profit organizations in the U.S. are located in California numbering 159,516 and New York which has about 99,765.

However, not all of the said organizations in the U.S. are accredited by the U.N., which means that there is a large number of  NPOs and NGOs which have not been  granted special consultative status with the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and therefore do not have privileges to put forth their respective advocacies in the UN meetings and in other large fora and gatherings.

One example of a non profit organization in NYC which has been very actively involved  in helping disadvantaged and poor orphaned children in certain developing countries is the Orphans International World Wide (OIWW). The company is not even a full-blown teenager yet, it has been in existence for roughly 12 years since its conceptualization in 1999 to respond to the call to help orphaned kids worldwide. OIWW represented by its founder, Jim Luce, was physically present and took the initiative in caring for some of the children who have lost their parents during the tsunami in Sri Lanka and Indonesia and likewise during the hurricane in Haiti. 

OIWW provided an infrastructure in the said places where the orphans can be taught and served with their daily basic needs on a “full-care” basis. Fully cognizant of the fact, however, that these orphaned kids could very well adapt to the situation and live as normal kids if they will be with their close relatives (grandparents, aunts or uncles and other relatives) who may be willing to raise them just like their own, OIWW changed its strategy to adopt the so-called “family-care” scheme. This  strategy was proven to be more effective and community-friendly as it did not only maintain the ideal family environment but it also provided the orphaned kids to have normal lives, taking into account their emotional and psychological mindsets.

(photos are courtesy of oiww.org)

The said “family-care” strategy was an innovation of OIWW and a change from the conventional orphanages where all orphans are housed and administered by a particular organization. Under the new set-up, OIWW provides the monthly stipend for the kids' school fees, including, medical and dental, clothing, and even after school related activities while the kids continue to be with their foster extended families. The kids performance are being overseen and monitored by OIWW's local volunteers who reports the same to the mother office which is based in NYC via internet and other modern technology.

In view of recent developments, OIWW's founder recently formed a related organization (visit lucefoundation.org for more details), the mission of which is to support “young global leadership” related programs.  It has  partnered with other NGO's which also share the same interests, in line with UN's Millennium Development Goals. The Foundation's plan to join forces with other NPOs was mainly for cost reduction measures in terms of operational and administrative expenses.  This is  quite a practical move especially for start-up non profit organizations.  

One of the Foundation's prime and initial fund raising efforts was the 21st Anniversary Black Tie Gala Dinner held recently in NYC, in tandem with the United Nations SRC Aux Antilles Club and in conjunction with the United Missions of Haiti, Cape Verde, Hungary and Czech Republic in support of its International University in Haiti. Proceeds from the said event were specifically earmarked for the "construction of the new Educational Pavillon on Uni Haiti's Academic Campus and funding for their second year English-language Leadership and Mentoring Program for Haitian University students in Leogane. "

So, my dear friends, readers and generous lurkers, if you have the passion to help global youths who can be effective potential leaders and the poor orphans too, please visit their websites at oiww.org and lucefoundation.org and feel free to directly coordinate with them.

I have personally been involved in one of their endeavors once upon a time and a staunch supporter  for this cause.

So guys, come on let's support the aforesaid projects. A few of your green bucks, big or small, can make a difference to a bright young orphaned kid and other children worldwide to be future global leaders.

“40 Years of Welcoming the Stranger” – A Universal Celebration

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“Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me”, a famous verse as inscribed in the Holy Scriptures by St. Matthew concerning Jesus’ description of the Last Judgment. Jesus message was clear and pretty straightforward, He merely wanted to inform all of us through His disciples that those who have done good things (e.g. giving food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcoming a stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned) here on earth shall be granted the blessings of heaven and have eternal life.

Incidentally, the said particular verse in the Bible, was the Gospel reading during the Holy Mass in observance of the Catholic Migration Day of the Diocese of Brooklyn held on March 26, 2011 at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Astoria, NYC. As an ordinary layman, I felt the said reading was opportune and could help well address a timely issue concerning migration specifically in the United States, which is hotly being discussed and debated among peers in government, politicians in congress, civil society, academe or even among the least powerful ordinary migrants. Much as this blog is excited to express its opinion on the subject, it would refrain from doing so for the time being so as to focus on the Diocesan celebration.

The Diocese of Brooklyn (which also covers the Queens borough in NYC), through its Catholic Migration Office, marked its “40 years of dedication, commitment and service to immigrants and refugees” of the Diocese. The Bishop of Brooklyn, His Excellency, The Most Reverend Nicholas Di Marzio, articulated the importance and contribution of the immigrants and other migrant workers residing within the Diocese in the U.S., particularly to the country’s economy.

For the fist time, he told us briefly a story on how his grandparents managed to get inside the United States sans the necessary documents. He mentioned, among others, the need to respect each one of us, especially the migrant workers’ rights regardless of race, status in life, etc. to live, travel and search for greener pastures and provide quality of life for their families and loved ones but at the same time stressing the Diocese’ support for legal migration.

It was my first time to grace the occasion and participate in the said event. Surprisingly, the Diocese of Brooklyn has actually a diverse catholic community as shown in the various representations during the celebration.

As enunciated by the Bishop, it can be likened to a mini United Nations with over 25 ethnic groups representing their country of origin.  

(photos not for reproduction, please)

. It was a multi-cultural celebration where representatives of each country tried their best to wear their beautiful and colorful national costumes despite the cold windy spring time  weather outside (thanks to the comforting sunlight!) and the opportunity to speak in their native language, particularly during the Prayers of the Faithful. Among the countries represented in the said event are Brazil, China, Guatemala, Indonesia, Italy, Philippines, Poland, Honduras, Pakistan, Chinese-Taipei, Lithuania, Honduras, Czech Republic, India, Haiti, Vietnam, Ireland, Croatia, Nigeria, Portugal, Ghana, Korea, Spain, Russia, Romania, United States, West Indian, and other catholic communities representing countries speaking the Arabic language.

The gathering was actually a reaffirmation of the Diocesan support to all people in need, as reflective in this year’s theme, “40 Years of Welcoming the Stranger”. While truly we sometimes feel as if we are strangers in a certain place, we can be comforted by people in a way who are sent by God to pave the right path for us, protect and guide us from harm.

 

After the mass celebration, everyone got a taste of native food and delicacies from each country represented. It was a joy and blissful to see each one sharing their time, talents and treasures to make the occasion a success.

A food for thought from the Vicar for Migrant and Ethnic Apostolate of the Diocese:

“In the Catholic Church there are no borders, no passports needed, no laws of immigration or emigration, no conditions which must be met in order to be in the presence of Christ.”

One of the readings which was translated and delivered in Tagalog language:

 "For our seminarians, that they find encouragement and support, especially through our prayers and generosity so as to persevere in their study and with God's grace come to the altar of the Lord as priests."

As translated:

"Para sa mga seminarista, na sana ay makatagpo sila ng suporta at tibay ng damdamin lalong-lalo na sa ating mga panalangin at kagandahang-loob, upang sila ay magkaroon ng sigasig sa pag-aaral, at sa pamamagitan ng biyaya ng Diyos ay maging ganap na mga pari sa dambana ng Panginoon"

_________________

The author is grateful for the invitation and the privilege to participate, as one of the readers, in the said event to the following: Rev. Fr. Godofredo Felicitas, FDA Coordinator, Mssrs. Romy Rancio and Hermes Allas. Likewise,  I would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Cesar and Mercy Guererro for going with me to the said event. 

At the said gathering, I’ve met new relatively young pretty friends:Sanaa and Monica. Hello guys, welcome to myusefultips!

Killer Earthquakes:The “First Quarter” Massive Destruction – A Moment of Prayer

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Engaged in an online conversation in the wee hours of the morning when I learned about the 8.9 magnitude earthquake which hit Sendai, the epicenter located in the northeastern coast of Japan. I was directed to view the CNN video which at that time was simultaneously being played while the tsunami was reaching the waters under a certain city bridge and which quickly rose to a higher level, and where owners of cars and trucks passing thru the bridge were rushing to and fro to take their refuge. It was horrific to see various videos and photos of how people tried their best and managed to get to a safer place. Buildings and houses were completely destroyed; cars, boats and airplanes were washed away just like toys made of wood, being hurled around from playpens. The photos and videos shown in the web before and after the earthquake/tsunami vividly portrayed the wrath of the said fortuitous events and its effects on mankind and their properties.

 

 

 

 

 

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), our mother Earth experienced 22 earthquakes in 2010, the major ones of which happened during the first quarter of the year, one in Chile in February (8.8) and another in Haiti in January (7.0). As a matter of fact, the day when the Chile 8.8 magnitude quake happened, an article about the subject was posted in myusefultips.com on the same day primarily to remind everyone on what to do during major earthquakes. It is sad to note though that based on UN figures, the said quakes killed about 227,000 lives at one time, wherein most of the fatalities came from Haiti despite the stronger tremor in the Chile event. Obviously, the structural defects in some of Haiti’s infrastructures coupled with an overly populated area contributed to the mass destruction in the country.

For the first quarter of 2011 alone, the USGS has already recorded 18 earthquakes in 4 continents of the world, ranging from a low of 4.1 magnitude to a high catastrophic magnitude of 8.9. So far, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand and the recent Japan quake had already produced more than 3,000 casualties and it is expected to rise as Japanese government officials are currently in the process of assessing the aftermath. Both events likewise occurred during the first quarter of this year, just like that of last year. Is this just a coincidence? Or, is there a scientific and technical explanation behind the timing of the occurrences of the major earthquakes for the period covered? I will leave this to seismologists, volcanologists and geologists to respond to these questions as they are the experts in this field.

There may be some logical reasons behind the similar episodes but fortuitous events like these are beyond mankind’s control. Perhaps, only someone with supernatural powers would know.

While rehabilitation and development efforts are still on going in Haiti, Chile and Christchurch, New Zealand, the Japanese people are presently suffering from the fresh effects of the very strong earthquake and the tsunami (tidal waves) deluge. This is apart from the impending threats and potential risks that the Japanese could face in view of the problem on the radiation leaks of the country’s nuclear power reactors. Ordinary people like me can only do so much. As average men and women don’t have billions of yen to contribute to the call for financial help, we can show our sympathy to our Japanese brothers and sisters who are in dire need in so many humble ways.

Certainly, it is our duty to help our neighboring countries, especially those in need. The best thing that we could do for now, however, is to keep Japan and other similarly situated countries in our petitions, to pause even for a moment from our busy schedules so as to share out time, to  offer our fervent prayers for the souls of the victims of the said calamity and likewise for the affected living families so they would be able to overcome the adverse effects and the sad moments as a result of the deluge. In times of tragedies, sufferings and misfortunes, it is but prudent for us to go back to God, our Creator, to reflect on the things that we did, to ask for mercy and forgiveness and for HIM most especially to save our Mother Earth and everything in the Universe.

Regardless of culture and religion, we can also include in our prayers that no more calamities of this magnitude would ever happen again, be it first quarter or last quarter of the year.

Helpful Tips On What To Do During An Earthquake

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I was triggered to write this article in view of the major recent earthquakes that hit certain parts of the globe within a span of two months in year 2010. Major ones were the one that hit Chile today (February 27) with a catastrophic magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter Scale and another in Haiti (January 12) with a 7.0 magnitude.

It may be normal to be paranoid or to feel scared (especially for children) of the occurrence of the said natural calamity of this enormity. We all know that several lives and properties were lost in the said earthquakes and still mortals or even the “super heroes” can not prevent these things from happening. Billions of dollars have been and will be spent for humanitarian reasons and for re-building of the needed infrastructures (road, bridges, hospitals, schools, etc.) and to return these stricken countries to normalcy. We can only do so much after the fact, to help those affected and in pain , particularly those who have nothing at all. For those who are willing to share their resources, there are various legitimate organizations on line ready to receive your donations.

I would  like to share with you some tips and guidelines which have been formulated by experts. So far, the “drop, cover and hold on” method which was taught to us during high school days' drills still holds true. Here are some:  

If Indoors
  • DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there’s no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall.
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall.
  • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
  • Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
If Outdoors
  • DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON on until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
  • Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
  • Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
  • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, loadbearing doorway.
  • Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
  • Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
  • DO NOT use the elevators.
If in a moving vehicle
  • Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
  • Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

Source: FEMA
  • Do not light a match.
  • Do not move about or kick up dust.
  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
  • Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

For Children:

  • Parents should teach basic earthquake safety. Teach your children about earthquakes to help keep your family safe.

Important Reminder: In an earthquake, stay calm and do not run or panic. Other Related Information: What is a fault? “A fault is a fracture in the crust along which one side has moved relative to the other side. Faults can be very small or hundreds of miles long. The earth's crust is composed of huge plates that are in slow but nearly constant motion.” What causes an earthquake? “Earthquakes occur when the two sides of a fault slip suddenly against each other. For ex. the Pacific and North American plates move past each other about 1.5 inches a year. The friction between the plates causes stress, which is released when the blocks of crust slip suddenly along a fault plane. That releases waves of energy that travel through the ground, causing the shaking you feel.” What is an epicenter? “Earthquake ruptures usually begin far under the surface of the Earth. The point of origin miles down is called the hypocenter. The epicenter is the point on the surface directly above the hypocenter.” How often do earthquakes happen? “The National Earthquake Information Center (U.S.) reports 12,000-14,000 earthquakes a year around the world, or 35 a day. Throughout the world, there are one "great" (magnitude 8.0 or more), 18 "major" (7.0-7.9), 120 "large" (6.0-6.9) and 1,000 "moderate" (5.0-5.9) earthquakes in an average year. Each year, California generally gets two or three earthquakes large enough to cause moderate damage to structures (magnitude 5.5 and higher).” What is a tsunami? “Sometimes called seismic sea waves (or, incorrectly, tidal waves), a tsunami is a series of waves generated by large earthquakes that create vertical movement on the ocean floor. Tsunamis can reach more than 50 feet in height, move inland several hundred feet and threaten life and property. Often, the first wave of a tsunami is not the largest. Tsunamis can occur on all coastal regions of the world, but are most common along margins of the Pacific Ocean. Tsunamis can travel from one side of the Pacific to the other in a day, at a velocity of 600 miles an hour in deep water. A locally generated tsunami may reach the shore within minutes.”

I hope I was able to refresh your memory about this learning. Be safe!