Rebuilding Haiti two years on

Two years after a massive earthquake crippled Haiti, Mission Aviation Fellowship continues to lend a helping hand in the rebuilding process.

More than 30 relief organisations are being assisted by MAF flights, which are being used to transport aid and supplies to 15 different points around the country.

The charity has been in Haiti since 1986 and today has three planes in operation.

Since the earthquake in January 2010, MAF planes have flown relief workers, medical personnel, and church and community development teams to areas unreachable by road.

Many of Haiti's roads are in poor condition, making travel extremely difficult. Where journeys roads are passable, there is the additional challenge of bandits.

"We have been encouraged by the progress made in Haiti over the past year, but we know there is still a long road ahead," said John Boyd, MAF president.

In addition to running crucial flights, MAF has offered practical assistance in other ways, such as by distributing micro grants to help families and small businesses get back on their feet after the quake.

MAF personnel assisted in repairing a school, providing meals for school children, and constructed 26 small homes for those in need.

Its planes have also been used to fly medical teams and supplies to clinics and hospitals across Haiti, following the outbreak of cholera in late 2010 which has killed more than 6,000 people.

Despite the difficulties of the last two years, MAF programme manager David Carwell said the country was "optimistic" about the future.

"We've also seen many churches and mission organisations that have been strengthened and are moving forward," he said.

"We pray that MAF can be a catalyst in the process."

Boyd shares the sense of optimism: "It is a privilege to serve the people of Haiti daily and we look forward to continuing our role in assisting with rebuilding efforts."