FROM THE FIELD
Immediately after the cyclone stuck, World Vision rushed emergency supplies such as medicines, water and shelter materials to nearly 350,000 people. Now the organisation is focusing its attention on the hardest-hit areas of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta, providing assistance to more than 100,000 people severely affected.
"Our approach to re-building healthy communities involves focusing on a smaller target population with a greater number of interventions," said Mia Mariana, Response Programme Support Manager for World Vision Myanmar.
Three districts including, Hainggyi, Pyapon and Bogale, will see the construction of four new health clinics and16 schools; livelihood assistance will continue through the distribution of boats, agriculture equipment and livestock; and improved access to drinking water and latrines will remain cornerstone activities of World Vision's Nargis recovery programme.
"Children are our primary concern," said Win Zin Oo, Response Programme Manager. "We are running non-formal education activities for children who are unable to afford school, setting up early childhood development classes and encouraging communities to take over activities in more than 100 Child Friendly Spaces," he continued. Child Friendly Spaces were started immediately after the cyclone struck in order to give some 15,000 children a way to work out their grief.
Extensive needs remain in the Delta. A UN flash appeal called for US $482 million, of which some US $300 million has been committed. World Vision urges donors to keep their financial commitments to fund programmes that address food security, livelihood recovery, educational needs for children and disaster prevention measures.
As the world works together to beat the financial crisis, it becomes important that donors do not forget their promises to the children and their families in the delta who have already lost so much.
For more information or expert interviews please contact:
Pamela Sitko at +66 843 600345 or Pamela_Sitko@wvi.org.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.wvasiapacific.org.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
