MaximsNewsNetwork: HAITI - AMPUTEE EDUCATION & REHABILITATION (UN MINUSTAH)

MaximsNewsNetwork: 21 August 2010 - UN MINUSTAH: Port-au-Prince, Haiti - Jacmel, Haiti - The United Nations (UN) Stabilization Mission in Haiti (UN MINUSTAH) reports on the recovery and rehabilitation of earthquake victims and amputee education. Eleven-year-old Jean Duby had his right hand amputated after he was crushed in a café during the January earthquake. In the hospital, he began to write again with his left hand. When classes resumed in March, Jean returned school more determined than ever. Life for Jean Duby, after the earthquake has been a real challenge which he has faced in an extraordinary way. Jean Duby is 11 years old. He was in an Internet cafe in Jacmel, in the south east of Haiti on January 12 when it collapsed. While at the hospital, Jean began writing with his left hand. When classes resumed, he returned to school more determined than ever. Jean could always count on the support of his friends who accompanied him during the difficult moments. During the earthquake Jean's house collapsed along with their shop which was their only income. Now, the family lives in a tent and manages to get along with the sale of some food items. Despite of all the difficulties, everyone manages to support each other. The director of the school "Ecole Frere Clement" says that for the children who were also victims of the quake like Jean, the support of their parents is very important. Now, the next goal for Jean is to obtain a prosthesis for his hand. In the meantime, he can continue what he likes to do most: playing football with his friends. SOUNDBITE (Creole) Jean Duby, earthquake victim: "There were difficult moments when I was desperate. But I said to myself, I will start again to write." SOUNDBITE (Creole) Jean Duby, earthquake victim: "There was a guy and some others. My hand was completed crushed. They have broken the beton (concrete) and took me out of there. Afterwards they brought me to the hospital." SOUNDBITE (Creole) Spencer Bruno, Professor of Jean Duby: "He knew how to overcome difficulties, he worked a lot. And during the trimester he occupied the first place in class. He is a nice guy in class, but sometimes also turbulent." SOUNDBITE (Creole) Olivier Calixte, classmate: "Nothing has changed after the earthquake. He is still a good friend of mine and we are still playing together." SOUNDBITE (Creole) Jacky Dominique, classmate: "At the end of the class, we always play together. He is still in my team, although we beat him each day. We stayed good friends". SOUNDBITE (Creole) Dieunel Marcellin, classmate: "Each Saturday we do exercises together, with all the other pupils." SOUNDBITE (Creole) Clarisse Lamitie, mother of Jean Duby : "It was Duby who encouraged me. Sometimes I was crying and Duby told me "Mami, don't cry, not to disencourage me". There is a lot of people who died. But thanks to god we survived. When I was rescued I went to search Duby at 11 o clock at night. Then I got the news, but Duby is so brave. He likes going to school and he always gives his best." Currently, Jean is preparing for final exams. Unfortunately it is not clear whether Jean will be able to continue school next September because of the families limited resources. But Jean won't give up. SOUNDBITE (Creole) Jean Duby, earthquake victim: "When I will become a doctor, I would like to help people such as the handicapped, being handicapped just like me." SOUNDBITE (French) Brother Yves ALLAIN, School Director "Ecole Frere Clement: "I saw the mother when she came in February. She told me that she took the situation in a positive way. The behavior of the mother has helped a lot Jean Duby. Otherwise he could have been traumatized, really traumatized. But the opposite was the case: She was very positive." ...... ( UNITED NATIONS STABILIZATION MISSION IN HAITI: UN MINUSTAH ) ... .............................................................. MaximsNewsNetwork: News Network for the United Nations and the International Community. See: http://www.MaximsNews.com. "GIVING POWER & RESONANCE TO THE VOICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY" .................................................................................