Gena presented with Human Dignity Award
WELL-known for her voluntary work in Haiti, Mayo woman Gena Heraty was today (Thursday) presented with the Oireachtas Human Dignity Award by Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghail TD, at a ceremony in Leinster House.
The award, now in its third year, is presented annually by the Oireachtas Human Dignity Group to a person whose commitment to the promotion of human dignity has been exemplary.
Gena, from Westport, is a member of the Catholic lay missionary association, Viatores Christi. She went to Haiti in 1993 and has remained there ever since as a volunteer with NPH (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) – an orphanage in the hillside village of Kenscoff, 10 km from Port-au-Prince.
“I am convinced that there is no other place in the world I can do more to help those who are most in need of help right now,” she told an RTÉ documentary in December 2008. “If I can improve the life of just one child each day I am here then my life will have been worthwhile.”
Paying tribute to Ms. Heraty, the Ceann Comhairle said she was continuing a great tradition of Irish missionary and humanitarian work overseas.
“Gena Heraty represents the best of Ireland. She has given 23 years of love and care to the special children of Haiti. She reminds us that, whatever the world’s problems, ordinary people can become extraordinary by doing great things for others,” said Deputy Ó Fearghail.
“Gena Heraty is an ambassador of human love and kindness,” said Senator Rónán Mullen of the Oireachtas Human Dignity Group. “In the wake of the hurricane that has devastated Haiti yet again, it is important that the people of Ireland recognise, value and support the work done by Gena and Our Little Brothers and Sisters.”
Gena, from Liscarney, Westport, is daughter of Nora Heraty and the late Jim Heraty.
Throughout her time in Haiti, she has worked to develop the Special Needs Programme, providing new opportunities for about 30 children and young people. She has also developed an outreach programme to provide medical, rehabilitation and educational support for over 100 families in the community where children have severe physical and/or intellectual disabilities.
Gena’s work is strongly supported by the people of Westport and Mayo generally via fundraisers and donations and by Misean Cara, an Irish Development Funding Agency. She visits her family each year and provides an update to supporters and through local media on progress and how donated funds are spent.