The world will not forget Boxing Day 2004.
The massive earthquake and tsunami that hit South Asia killed more than 200,000 people and destroyed millions of homes and livelihoods. The tsunami devastated parts of Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, triggering a humanitarian disaster like no other.
World Vision was on the scene within hours, participating in one of the largest emergency relief efforts the world has seen.
That emergency response, powered in part by the generosity of Canadian donors, was vital to the survival of thousands of children.
Building for the Future
Just as vital as an emergency relief effort is a long-term response that helps children and their communities rebuild their lives. Now, two years later, the work of rebuilding communities across South Asia is well underway.
World Vision has a long history in the countries affected by the tsunami. The relationships of trust and collaboration have played an important role in the progress that has been made since December 26, 2004.
Here is just some of what World Vision has accomplished in tsunami-affected countries:
- More than 13,000 homes are being built to provide permanent housing for tsunami survivors.
- Children can attend classes again in more than 90 schools and 40 preschools being built in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Thousands of children received the uniforms and supplies required to attend school.
- Health clinics, community halls, childcare centres, and housing for teachers are being constructed. Children and their families can access the help they need, and they are beginning to feel like they have a community once again.
- More than 13,000 children have benefited from 200 Child Friendly Spaces where children meet each other, play, and learn in a safe, educational environment.
- Thousands of toilets, drainage systems, wells, and water tanks have been installed so families can have access to safe water and communities can try to avoid the health problems that come with poor sanitation.
- Thousands of women and men received training in income-generation so they can once again provide for their children. Things like fishing boats, welding equipment, computers, and sewing machines help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and hope for the future.
No one can replace the lives that were lost on that awful day when the tsunami hit. In the last two years, however, World Vision has seen again and again the resilience of children who have hope and the strength of communities determined to rebuild their lives and their futures.
What You Can Do
Click here to donate to World Vision's emergency preparedness fund.
