International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Jencarlos in Haiti

Photos: 
<p>Two years on, many earthquake survivors who lost their homes are still living in tent camps and other makeshift selttlements in around the ravaged capital city, Port-au-Prince. Jencarlos visited a camp called St. Etienne and saw a &quot;child-friendly space&quot; run by the IRC where children were singing, dancing, reading and drawing. The IRC sets up these spaces within camps so that thousands of children have safe places to play, learn, and socialize.</p><br /><br /><em>Photo: Antonio Pinares/IRC</em><br /><br />
<p>Jencarlos was the special guest at the opening of a new meeting place for a Girls&#39; Group in the Teleco camp. There he met 30 girls ranging in age from 9&ndash;17 who were singing, dancing and laughing. The IRC created these groups for young survivors of rape and other forms of sexual violence, giving them a place to heal and to build positive self-esteem. The members use role playing and theater to help them deal with physical, emotional and mental abuse. Jencarlos was invited to judge a singing competiton and declared all of the contestants winners.</p><br /><br /><em>Photo: Antonio Pinares/IRC</em><br /><br />
<p>Jencarlos stops to speak with two residents of St. Etienne after seeing how one water pump can radically improve the lives of people in their &nbsp;community.&nbsp;</p><br /><br /><em>Photo: Antonio Pinares/IRC</em><br /><br />
<p>Jencarlos visiting the Mega 4 camp, where he watched some very talented young soccer players scrimmage.&nbsp;</p><br /><br /><em>Photo: Antonio Pinares/IRC</em><br /><br />
<p>Jencarlos and children from St. Etienne posed for a group photo. &ldquo;I identify a lot with the mission of the IRC in helping children and their families who flee from dangerous situations&rdquo; says Jencarlos. &nbsp;&ldquo;I cannot imagine a work more gratifying than using my time and voice to support their humanitarian work. &nbsp;Helping people in need has always been my dream.&rdquo;</p><br /><br /><em>Photo: Antonio Pinares/IRC</em><br /><br />
Photo: Antonio Pinares/IRC

Singer, actor and IRC Voice Jencarlos Canela recently visited IRC programs in Haiti that are helping those who lost homes and loved ones in the massive earthquake of January 2010. Jencarlos had the opportunity to meet hundreds of children and their families who are still displaced nearly two years after the disaster.