Jan. 12 marked the one-year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti. The recovery process has been slow and met with several setbacks. However, organizations like Free the Kids are making a difference with the support of donations, which include those made by the Guilford College community.

A cholera outbreak, Hurricane Thomas, and flooding have hindered progress. A year later, much of the rubble and debris still lines the streets.

According to a Free the Kids pamphlet, “Haitians continue to live in a state of crises.” Free the Kids is a nonprofit organization co-founded by Guilford alumnus Jack Reynolds ’65.

Nearly one million people are still without adequate shelter, living in camps comprised of worn-out tarps, tents and old cardboard. According to the Guardian, the U.N. has projected that 650,000 Haitians will still be living in camps by the end of 2011.

Less than five percent of the rubble has been cleared. According to National Public Radio, this has prompted many residents to begin clearing the rubble themselves.

In addition, the Haitian government still faces problems due to the destruction of vital records, including land deeds and birth certificates. As a result, aid organizations are having a difficult time rebuilding houses because of land concerns.

Attempting to handle all these various issues at once has proven difficult for both the Haitian government and aid workers.

Alleged corruption in the presidential election has triggered riots. The return and arrest of exiled President Jean-Claude “Baby-doc” Duvalier and the possible return of ousted former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide have further added to the problems facing Haiti.

“Right now Haiti is in political upheaval,” said Reynolds. “So the country remains very unstable and safety is an issue.”

As such, aid relief organizations continue to do what they can to assist in Haiti’s rebuilding.

Free the Kids funds a children’s home called “Pwoje Espwa Sud,” which is Creole for project hope south — a facility that provides a home to over 600 children and a school that educates 2300.

The school equips students with critical thinking and vocational skills in addition to teaching reading and writing.

“We keep kids in their own culture and teach them to become leaders,” said Reynolds.

Pwoje Espwa Sud has experienced an increase in the number of children and families seeking help since the earthquake.

“We rely solely on private donors and are pleased and blessed to have the support of Guilford College,” said Reynolds. A portion of the Haiti funds Guilford raised last year went to Free the Kids, and many faculty and alumni contribute regularly.

Many aid workers feel that with continued support and time, Haiti will overcome the obstacles before it.

“The right leadership and engagement from the international community are key to success,” said Roseann Dennery, an aid worker in Port-au-Prince, to CNN. “The Haitian people are resilient and have weathered many storms.”