International
On the Spot: Newsletter from the Americas – September 2021
Our bi-monthly e-newsletter On the Spot highlights important updates from our programs and from our organizational network. If you’re already signed up, it’ll be in your inbox, if not, you can sign up here! Thanks for reading.
Your Donations at Work in Haiti: Three Weeks On
On Saturday, August 14th, Haiti experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. It killed over 2,200 individuals, injured close to 12,000 and leveled homes, hospitals, and schools. Your donations have helped us respond immediately with emergency relief efforts as well as plan for longer-term rehabilitation that will be so essential in Haiti’s road to recovery.
So far, we’ve:
- Given 775 medical supplies and medicines to three of the most heavily affected health centers;
- Distributed 144 tarps for temporary shelter, and tools to clear excessive debris; and
- Done cash distributions to 600 people.
Going forward, we’ll:
- Rehabilitate 5 schools, benefitting 1,500 school children and 30 of their teachers, all while giving them mental health support as well.
- Repair (or establish) safe drinking water systems and give mental health support for 40,000 people.
- Support 3 medical centers with medicines & medical supplies for 20,035 people.
Weaving History for a Better Future: “La Mochila de los Suenos”
Through conversations with community elders and the dreams and aspirations of youth leaders, “La Mochila de los Sueños” is a youth-led documentary that traces the histories, traditions, and cultures of seven different communities in Colombia’s northern department of La Guajira.
It sews the common thread between them all: the devastating impact of conflict and displacement. At times deeply personal, the documentary exemplifies the communities’ resilience, their desire to preserve traditions, to see themselves represented in history, and to build the building blocks of a brighter future. On this #YouthDay, we’re proud to give the youth-led work that follows the wider audience it deserves.
Oswaldo’s Story: A Life-Saving Intervention
We have made a pointed effort to reach many neighborhoods throughout Colombia, bringing medical care to migrants, refugees, and returnees who would not otherwise have access to the healthcare system.
Like many Venezuelans, Oswaldo was forced to leave his country and start from scratch in Colombia. Three years ago, he and his wife Lisbeth and their eldest son moved to the city of Santa Marta in search of a better quality of life. Working as day laborers, they’ve managed to get ahead and start building a better future for themselves.
MI Americas Presidency Handover Ceremony
On July 1st of this year, John E. McInerney III, KM officially became President of Malteser International Americas (MI Americas), taking over the reins from Major General (ret.) Thomas A. Wessels GCMOb, who had served in his capacity as president for four and a half years.
An official handover ceremony took place in Germany, with a Holy Mass to bless the beginning of McInerney’s tenure.
The Holy Mass was followed by Wessels receiving the Order of Malta Grand Cross pro Merito Melitensi with Swords from the Grand Hospitaller of the Order of Malta, H.E. Dominique Prince de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel, and the President of Malteser International, Thierry Comte de Beaumont-Beynac.
