Stories from August 14th: Darline

On the morning of August 14th, Darline Nicolas, a kindergarten teacher and the supervisor of Girls’ Empowerment at St. Paul’s School arrived early to prepare for the final day of summer enrichment camp. The camp, a girls’ empowerment focused initiative that included boys and girls from across Petit Trou, had been a big success and there was excitement and positive energy in the courtyard. As Darline was preparing food with some of the older girls who had come early to assist, the earthquake struck. A large cylinder block fell near Darline as she was gathering water by the presbytere (the priest and his/her family’s residence). Unable to run, due to her pregnancy, Darline moved as quickly as she could away from the building.

In the center of the courtyard, Darline watched the presbytere rattle and dissolve before her. She knew Father Luc, Madam Ricardie, and others were still inside and called to them as soon as the shaking stopped. As she heard their replies, grateful to hear their voices, parents came immediately to search for their kids.

Knowing her own daughter was at home, Darline went quickly to find her. Thankfully, her daughter, Elise (age 11), was unharmed and outside crying for her mom. 

As she recounted the story, Darline reflected on how traumatizing it was for her daughter and family to watch the walls of their house fall. Elise is particularly affected and has not been able to leave her mom’s side since this day.

Since the earthquake, Darline’s family has been taking one day at a time, at times staying with friends, at times sleeping outside of their simple, damaged, home. 

Darline said her biggest issue is that they were renting the house and now they have nothing. The rental payments are not enough to make the repairs, and there is nothing else available in the community. As her family seeks out accommodations, Darline pointed to St. Paul’s presbytere and upper grades as the highest priority for the community. She worries that if the school is not functioning, then she won’t have work. 

Update: Thanks to your support, Darline has been able to build a provisional structure, where she and Elise are now living.