VOA标准英语2010年-Haiti Tent City Residents Cope With Sh

"The men take everything, but the women -- nothing" -- Camp resident Rosemonde Desmesier

Residents of makeshift tent cities throughout Port-au-Prince say that conditions have improved since the earthquake three weeks ago, but shortages of food and relief supplies still make life difficult.

Nine thousand people are crowded the camp on the grounds of a damaged school.  Some residents sell food to those who can afford it.

Water is available, thanks to international aid organizations.  But the process of getting it is not always smooth.

An angry crowd stands outside the office of the local aid organization in charge of water distribution.  A spokesman says relief workers hope to improve the process of water distribution, and that they desperately¹ need more food, tents, and medical supplies.

Camp resident Rosemonde Desmesier says free food deliveries do not always reach those who need them most. "When they bring them, we get nothing.  Those who can get access prevent us from getting it.  The men take everything, but the women - nothing," she said.

This is the dry season in Haiti.  But in a few months, the rains will come and camp residents worry about their tents - many made of bed sheets.

Alex Ocean, an elementary school teacher whose Port-au-Prince school is now closed because of the quake, says he hopes that aid distribution in the camp will become better organized and that there will be international help with reconstruction². "The future of Haiti is important.  I would like that they help to rebuild the country.  For now, the people need food to eat," he said.

Local Port-au-Prince Boy Scouts³ have come to help, but they are waiting for a tent and supplies before they can assist those in need.

A medical van is expected to arrive tomorrow.  One man alerts camp residents that vaccinations⁴ will be available at the mobile clinic.

Teenage boys play basketball in the shadow of a high school, damaged and closed for now, as camp residents do what they can to get on with their lives.

 

1 desperately   

adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地

参考例句：

• He was desperately seeking a way to see her again.他正拼命想办法再见她一面。
• He longed desperately to be back at home.他非常渴望回家。

2 reconstruction   

n.重建，再现，复原

参考例句：

• The country faces a huge task of national reconstruction following the war.战后，该国面临着重建家园的艰巨任务。
• In the period of reconstruction,technique decides everything.在重建时期，技术决定一切。

3 scouts   

侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员

参考例句：

• to join the Scouts 参加童子军
• The scouts paired off and began to patrol the area. 巡逻人员两个一组，然后开始巡逻这个地区。

4 vaccinations   

n.种痘，接种( vaccination的名词复数 )；牛痘疤

参考例句：

• Vaccinations ensure one against diseases. 接种疫苗可以预防疾病。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• I read some publicity about vaccinations while waiting my turn at the doctor's. 在医生那儿候诊时，我读了一些关于接种疫苗的宣传。 来自《简明英汉词典》