Haitians continue to try and rebuild their lives - two months after the powerful earthquake hit the country. On Monday, international relief agency Oxfam released a survey, saying Haitians think their most pressing needs are not food aid, but rather, jobs, schools and housing.           

 

[Marcel Stoessel, Chief of Mission for Oxfam International in Haiti]:

"The survey shows that people want jobs, they want education, they want shelter, but they also want local food production so they want all things that help them to move ahead. They don't want charity. They're not just waiting now for the New York conference to give them a lot of money. They are ready to move ahead themselves and to turn this into something positive." 

 

Many Haitians want to take charge in rebuilding their country.

 

[Garelle Sylvain, Local]:

"Canada is helping us big time. The U.S., hat's off to them too. One thing I would like is that the aid they are giving to Haiti is oriented in such a way that there can be a continuity that Haiti still remains an independent country. You're helping, it's true. I appreciate it, but try to help with the purpose to let us take control of ourselves. Don't do it with the purpose of taking control of the country. I wouldn't like that." 

 

The survey covered people in various neighbourhoods of the wrecked capital Port-au-Prince, and in the town of Leogane, which was also devastated by the quake.   

 

Oxfam currently is providing aid to a refugee camp in Port-au-Prince. But more shelter is needed for the thousands of homeless quake victims, especially with the hurricane season approaching.            

 

[Chesnel Desinor, Vice-President of Refugee Camp]:

"We have the tents, that's for sure, but the tents aren't enough. We have many families and there are families that don't have tents and we need something to give them. And the food isn't being distributed here either…” 

 

The survey results were released ahead of a conference of potential donors in New York on Wednesday.  They’ll pledge funds for the reconstruction of the country.