In Haiti, Tech Efforts Move From Relief to Recovery

In the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, all initial attention -- naturally -- focused on immediate relief. Search parties to dig people out of the rubble, and relief workers to set up access to medical treatment, food, water and shelter. But the real process of recovery, which comes next, has far greater implications for a nation's future health and development. That's why it's great to see technology groups that were some of the earliest and most creative responders to Haiti's initial crisis are now shifting gears to focus on recovery, as well.

Samasource, for example, offers a platform that allows refugees and the impoverished around the world the chance to earn a living by completing digital microtasks for companies -- tasks such as data entry, proofreading and more.

Since Ushahidi (another group whose Haiti response we've described) worked with partners to set up a free SMS exchange that allowed people on the ground to report emergencies, Samasource has also started a collaboration with them, enabling volunteers to translate messages into or from Creole, French and English, ensuring language barriers don't stop the flow of potentially life-saving information.

According to Samasource founder Leila, they hope to quickly transition from a volunteer-based translation process to having actual paid staffers in Haiti, and from there, expand efforts to provide long-term job opportunities as the country rebuilds.

Haiti Recovery Accelerator is another exciting initiative focused entirely on recovery. It's an online school, built on the Supercool School platform, with the goal of accelerating the recovery and rebuilding process by creating a platform that allows participants to share their collective knowledge. The initiative has just started, and they're looking for more people to join and help.

These kinds of initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg. Groups like Inveneo and Architecture for Humanity are also already thinking about recovery, too -- and, of course, groups like Partners in Health that have a long-term commitment to Haiti are also structuring their thinking along these lines.

As in the example of Rwanda, we've seen how countries recovering from crisis can rebuild in incredible ways. It will take determination and effort from a vast array of stakeholders and parties, but it's inspiring to see technologists already taking up that charge in building new to assist the effort.

Photo Credit: Offical U.S. Navy Gallery