CARE’s Rick Perera is on his way to Haiti.

A group of CARE staff and journalists — 12 of us in all, landed in the city of Puerto Plata in the northern coast of the Dominican Republic early this afternoon. We were welcomed as tourists by a steel drum band, scantily clad dancers and free cocktails. It was a surreal experience.

Rick Perera is CARE’s Emergency Media Coordinator (Photo: CARE)

Shortly, we all boarded a bus, which is taking us on the first leg of our eight hour journey over land to reach the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. By all accounts, the scene will change dramatically once we cross the border. The lush green hills and gentle rain we see through our windows will give way to the harsh, deforested landscape of Haiti. (more…)

by Thomas Schwarz

Distribution of emergency items in Rustam Mardan (photo: CARE/Shah Faisal)

It is about noon up here in the Northwestern Province, maybe one or two o’clock. (more…)

by Thomas Schwarz

Khan Faraz holds little Sohail – he was born right before the family had to flee (photo: CARE/Schwarz)

While travelling to places like Pakistan, I naturally meet many different people. All of them have their own story and background, their traditions, cultures and personal experiences.

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by Thomas Schwarz

In a makeshift shelter: Khan Zada with one of his children (photo: CARE/Schwarz)

Today I visited a place close to Mardan, where tens of thousands took refuge from the ongoing fightings in Dir, Buner and the village of Swat. Their overall situation is horrible. (more…)

by Thomas Schwarz

School lessons help the children deal with the traumatising experience of fleeing their homes (photo: CARE)

Yesterday I was invited to attend a meeting of the United Nations (UN).

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by Thomas Schwarz

Refugees in their own country (photo: CARE/Yousafzai)

It’s been two and a half years since I last visited Pakistan.

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