Fifteen years after one of the most tragic earthquakes in recent history, Haiti still bears the deep marks of this devastation. On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the country, causing more than 280,000 deaths and immense chaos. At the heart of this tragedy, certain human stories illustrate both suffering and hope. Among them is that of Jerry, a Haitian child survivor adopted by a French family, who today returns to the places of his past. His journey, filmed by France Télévisions, testifies to this dual Haitian reality, marked both by pain and resolutely turned towards reconstruction.
Jerry was only 4 years old at the time of the earthquake. Seriously injured, he was abandoned in an orphanage before being rescued by French teams. Adopted a few months later by a French family from the Nantes area, he grew up far from his native country but never forgot his origins. At 19, he returns for the first time to Port-au-Prince, in a security context still unstable and politically fragile.
This return to the roots illustrates the country’s difficulty in overcoming the structural aftermath of the earthquake. Poverty, insecurity, and gang violence still form a heavy daily reality for many Haitians. Jerry’s visit to the orphanage, his moving encounters with children still waiting for a family, reveal the ongoing humanitarian urgency. This journey is also a call not to forget the history of Haiti and its children, between suffering and hope.
This unique testimony has been relayed by several media, including France 24, RFI and also Franceinfo, demonstrating continued interest and seriousness around a crisis far from over.
- 🌍 Haiti remains a deeply vulnerable country due to poverty and sociopolitical challenges.
- 🧒 Jerry, a child survivor of the earthquake, embodies hope and human resilience.
- 🚧 The physical and social rubble of the earthquake is still visible in Port-au-Prince.
- 🤝 International initiatives like those of France Télévisions and TV5MONDE keep the memory alive.
- ⚠️ The rise of gang violence complicates reconstruction and daily life for Haitians.
Jerry, an extraordinary journey: from tragedy to adoption in France
Jerry’s fate is a powerful symbol. Originating from Cité Soleil, one of the poorest neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, he experienced abandonment at the age of three, left by his biological parents in an orphanage. At four, the 2010 earthquake severely injured his skull and legs. Filmed by France Télévisions during his rescue, his miraculous survival touched all of France.
After spending a few months in medical stabilization, Jerry was adopted by a French couple from the Nantes area. There, he found not only a loving home but also a new chance at life. This adoption journey, often emotionally difficult for children, nevertheless offered Jerry a safe and stable environment where his physical and psychological wounds could begin to heal.
Jerry’s visible and invisible scars
Jerry’s injuries remain a tangible part of his story. His scar on the skull bears witness to the drama he went through, but other deeper marks remain in his memory. Growing up, Jerry learned to overcome this past thanks to the constant support of his adoptive parents, but also through the progressive discovery of his origins. This return to Haiti at 19 is a crucial step for him: it is an identity journey, in search of his roots and a deeper understanding of his story.
- 🩹 Persistent physical scar, symbol of resilience.
- 🧠 Psychological wounds linked to abandonment and the trauma of the earthquake.
- ❤️ French family support as an essential pillar for recovery.
- 🌱 Initiatory journey towards his Haitian roots.
- 🎥 Media exposure: an experience both difficult and liberating.
| Age at the time of the earthquake 🕒 | Current age (2025) 🎂 | Place of birth 📍 | Initial family situation 👨👩👦 | Current place of residence in 2025 🏠 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 years | 19 years | Port-au-Prince | Orphanage | Nantes, France |
The ongoing challenges of Haiti fifteen years after the catastrophic earthquake
Since 2010, Haiti has struggled to recover from one of the deadliest natural disasters in the Americas. Reconstruction has been slowed by multiple factors, notably political instability, chronic poverty, and rising violence. More than 1.3 million people have been displaced, and many still live in precarious conditions, especially in improvised refugee camps.
The security situation is particularly alarming. Armed gangs control large sectors of Port-au-Prince, complicating access to services and humanitarian aid. Jerry was also able to observe during his return that certain neighborhoods, once vibrant, are now deserted by the population fleeing violence and insecurity.
- 🚨 Increase in armed violence in urban areas.
- 🏚️ Millions of people still in extreme precariousness.
- 🌍 Major difficulties for humanitarian organizations to intervene.
- 🔧 Complex and slow reconstruction due to lack of sufficient resources.
| Major consequences of the 2010 earthquake | Key figures in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Number of deceased victims | ~280,000 |
| Displaced persons | More than 1.3 million |
| Urban areas controlled by gangs | More than 40% of Port-au-Prince |
| Population living in refugee camps | Several hundred thousand |
Political and economic causes of reconstruction delays
The earthquake did not just destroy buildings; it laid bare the country’s deep vulnerabilities. The lack of stable governance, endemic corruption, and the lack of solid infrastructure have hindered reconstruction. The international community, despite significant aid, has been unable to overcome these barriers. Often accused of failure, it nonetheless remains an indispensable support.
Several reports, notably relayed by the United Nations and RFI, expose this “missed opportunity” for reconstruction, where efforts have not always reached those who needed it most.
- 🏛️ Chronic political instability and regular protests.
- 💰 Corruption obstructing the distribution of international aid.
- 🏚️ Fragile and poorly funded infrastructure.
- 🌐 Humanitarian aid sometimes ineffective or poorly coordinated.
Jerry’s return: a journey between memory, pain, and hope
Jerry’s journey retraces the stages of a disrupted life. When he returns to the orphanage where he was abandoned, the director, now 77 years old, recognizes the child she saw suffer. It is a moving moment, a shock mixed with deep tenderness. Jerry finds a place filled with contrasting memories: where other children still await adoption, in an always difficult climate.
This return was also the occasion for an intense meeting with his biological parents, despite an initial decision not to see them. The mother, a teenager at the time, explains the circumstances of the abandonment, the misery, and the social pressure that influenced her choice. This sometimes painful step nevertheless allows Jerry to better grasp his story and the meaning of his identity.
- 🏠 Visit to the orphanage, between strong emotions and hopes for the future.
- 🤝 Recognition and meeting with the director who helped him.
- 👩👦 First contact with his biological parents, sincere explanations.
- 💬 Reflection on roots and the real place of the adoptive family.
- 🌟 Acceptance and projection towards a future filled with resilience.
| Stages of Jerry’s return | Key emotions and learnings |
|---|---|
| Arrival in Port-au-Prince | Anticipation mixed with apprehension |
| Visit to the orphanage | Intense emotions and painful memories |
| Meeting with the director | Tenderness and joyful surprise |
| Contact with adoptable children | Hope for the next generation |
| Meeting with biological parents | Seeking truth and reconciliation |
Haiti today: between humanitarian challenges and hopes for rebirth
The Haitian situation in 2025 remains complex. Humanitarian needs are still very high, even as the international community continues to debate the effectiveness of the aid provided. Media such as Le Monde, L’Obs and Canal+ regularly cover this crucial issue.
Faced with difficulties, Haitian civil society is organizing. Local initiatives try to compensate for the shortcomings of NGOs and the State. These citizen actors are essential witnesses to a will for change despite everything. Jerry, in returning and sharing his journey, offers another image of Haiti – that of a people who, despite accumulated pains, never cease to dream and fight for a better future.
- 🌱 Growth of community initiatives for reconstruction.
- 📚 Emphasis on education and training of the youth.
- 🤝 Mobilization of the Haitian diaspora in support of local projects.
- 📰 International media coverage to maintain pressure and memory.
| Main actors | Role in reconstruction | Examples of actions |
|---|---|---|
| Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 🆘 | Humanitarian aid and emergency projects | Access to water, health, emergency shelters |
| Local civil society 🙌 | Organization, awareness, micro-projects | Cooperatives, community schools |
| International community 🌍 | Financing, diplomacy, coordination | Fundraising, diplomatic missions |
| Haitian diaspora 🌐 | Economic and cultural support | Money transfers, sponsorship |
What were the human consequences of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti?
The earthquake caused the death of more than 280,000 people, over 300,000 injured, and displaced more than one million inhabitants, causing a major humanitarian crisis.
How did Jerry survive and get adopted?
Seriously injured during the earthquake, Jerry was rescued by French rescuers, treated in France, and adopted by a family from Nantes, who gave him a new life.
Why was Haiti’s reconstruction difficult?
Reconstruction was slowed by political instability, corruption, gang violence, and a lack of effective resources, despite international aid.
What role do the media play in recalling the memory of the earthquake?
Media such as France Télévisions, France 24, RFI, TV5MONDE, or Canal+ help to keep the memory alive and raise awareness of the ongoing difficulties in Haiti.
How does Jerry perceive his dual identity?
Jerry sees his French adoptive parents as his real parents, emphasizing the importance of the education and values received, while recognizing his Haitian heritage.