InternationalReliefandDevelopmentandSlovenianGlobal ActionCelebrateaPartnershiptoDevelopChildFriendly SpaceinCarrefour,Haiti

FORIMMEDIATERELEASE SEPTEMBER15,2011 CONTACT:MELISSAPRICE 5713661596 PRESS@IRDDC.ORG ARLINGTON, VA International Relief and Development (IRD) Slovenia and Slovenian Global Action (SLOGA) have recently completed the first phase in establishing a child-friendly space in the village of Carrefour, Haiti. The space will provide Haitian children, many displaced and traumatized by the devastating January 2010 earthquake, a safe environment to play, learn, and receive basic necessities. Youth hold the key to any nations future, said Dr. Arthur B. Keys, Jr., President and CEO of IRD. This project is bringing a sense of hope and normality to nearly 300 boys and girls in Carrefour, who with continued support and care will be well equipped to play an important role in rebuilding their country. The first phase of the project involved assembling 24 prefabricated structures, provided by Slovenian company TIMRO. In the next phase of the project, local residents will be recruited and trained to run youth centers at these locations. These local managers will then work with local government and development partners to plan and implement appropriate educational activities, which can range from basic literacy to entrepreneurship and civic engagement. The goal is to give young people an opportunity to expand their knowledge and acquire the skills and motivation needed to help develop their own communities. This type of community-led development will lead to sustainable, long-term growth for Carrefour and Haiti. This project is funded by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented in partnership with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the local Haitian government. It is expected to be fully complete later this year. Even as events this week in Slovenia will celebrate the completion of phase one of the project, IRD Slovenia, SLOGA, and the government of Slovenia are already discussing next steps and how best to continue supporting the people of Haiti as they rebuild and redevelop their country.

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IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief, stabilization, and development programs worldwide. IRDs mission is to reduce the suffering of the worlds most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. Specializing in meeting the needs of communities emerging from conflict or natural disaster, IRD partners with donors, local organizations, and many others to deliver sustainable services in agriculture, governance, health, and infrastructure. For more information, visit IRD.org. ###

INTERNATIONALRELIEF&DEVELOPMENT |1621NORTHKENTSTREET,4THFLOOR|ARLINGTON, VA22209 T 703.248.0161 |F 703.248.0194 |WWW.IRD.ORG