DIARY HAITI/ 7. Fiammetta: is the world still remembering our tragedy?

Then in a lull between a very important meeting and an interview on television, a lady approached me and said: "You know, you cannot remember us, who knows how many letters you have received ... But I wanted to say that my school group has read your diaries and the children wanted to raise money for your work and we sent it to you. We did not expect to have a response, instead, you know, it was great when we got the letter that explained to children that AVSI with their pennies had purchased benches for the elementary school, and that children from the camps could do year-end exams, and have not lost the school year, and have also been promoted! You should know what my students said: How wonderful! They restarted the school thanks to our collection! So ... In September we start a new fundraising drive! "

I do not know exactly what I told the lady. I think I just said "thank you" before I dragged myself to my indispensable meetings.

To the dear lady whose name I do not know: Thank you, thanks to your children. Their hearts just understood the greater truth: our little Haitian friends have returned to school and now believe again in the future, believe in a tomorrow that will build their beautiful and proud nation stronger and better than before. This "window" of hope that you were able to open will not close, because our little tent-school students now know they can count on you ... Also for next year!

So the question of my colleagues has found an answer: no, people have not forgotten us, people - so many people - remember Haiti and this tragic 2010. The year of our disaster, but also the year when we learned that the heart never ceases to desire and that from this desire comes the hope, the strength to rebuild.

(Fiammetta Cappellini, AVSI Haiti)

In the United States, donations for the AVSI program "Rebirth of the Human in Haiti " are tax deductible:

- on-line www.avsi-usa.org , via Pay -Pal

- via check ( payable to AVSI-USA) to 529 14th Street, NW, suite 994, Washington DC 20045, with "Haiti emergency" in the memo.