Tsunami Recovery in Four Fishing Villages, India
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Updates from the Field:
Updates from the Field (or Progress Reports) on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.com by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
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Index of Updates from the Field
Children in difficulty
By Dr. Claudine Dussert - President, December 16, 2008 05:45 PM
Dear GlobalGiving Friends and Supporters,
As part of this project we have just completed a review of our recent assistance to 12 poor children (boys and girls) in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Some of these children are doing well in part thanks to GlobalGiving benefactors.
We have also noticed that we are lacking funding in 2008 for 4 of the children that we previously supported for school attendance, clothing and health care: one girl Preethi (Chennai), two twin girls Thenmozhi and Kanimozhi (Tamil Nadu) and a teen age girl Asha Rose (Kerala). Asha is about to go to college if her poor parents who had lost their house to the tsunami can afford it. They can't.
Now, we are not able to support all 4 of these children. Social pressure still makes it more difficult for girls than boys to access schooling in India.
These 4 girls are in need of "God-parents" and loving support. Your support as part of this project can therefore make a difference in their life . This requires cumulative donations of $550 a year only per child/family that our field supervisor Mathew will give directly to each beneficiary family in two installments. One dollar can go a long way in India.
Any volunteer donors for this gentle cause? You would make a marvelous Christmas and Holiday Season gift to be remembered by the beneficiaries for the rest of their life. Your support for this project, which is progressing slowly but usefully well overall, would be great news for the children and their struggling but joyful families. Thank you for your generosity
We wish you also a Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year 2009 despite everything. Always keep hope in your heart!
Warm regards to all.
Claudine
Attachments:
Joseph Enok, young tsunami survivor and cardiac patient has died
By Mathew Sebastian (+Bernie) - Field Operations Supervisor (+ MMP-MC Treasurer), May 13, 2008 04:57 PM
From Mathew:
Dear Benefactors at MMP-MC and GlobalGiving
Loving greetings from Kochi, India!
We regret to inform that our little child Joseph Enock, left us for ever at 8pm on Saturday and was buried at 2pm on Sunday at cemetery of St.Mary’s church Chellanam, Kochi. All our JY/JS leaders were sad along with the parents of Joseph Enock and we are praying that his soul rest in peace. He was not yet 3 years old.
Earlier we had informed that the child father had agreed to take appointment with chief Cardiologist after a prayer retreat and finalise the date of heart surgery. But even after the retreat the child health condition did not improve making dangerous to do the surgery because he was suffering from fever and cough. Let us accept our limitations and obey the will of God!
We are thinking: what favourable service can we extend to this family due to this unfortunate situation? You may remember they are living in a little hut near a sea shore partly destroyed during the tsunami. Is there any possibility we can support them to build a new more decent house? So far we have spent for Joseph Enok around Rs.95, 000/- (US$2,375) for treatment during these two years. If this is ok with project benefactors we could proceed with this or we can find other needy persons who need financial support for medical care and medicines or any suggestions benefactors may have, please advise and give us your best support. Thank you.
We wish you all the best. May the Lord Bless you to lead a life for the deprived!
With warm regards,
Mathew Sebastian
Field Operations Supervisor
Comments from Bernie, MMP-MC Treasurer
1/ One of our benefactors for Joseph Enok heart surgery wrote to us the following letter:
"Bernie and Claudine,
Colleen and I were saddened to hear the news about little Joseph. We can only imagine the pain and sorrow which his parents have had to endure. Thank God for our faith. All the prayers for little Joseph have been heard by Our Lord.
We are in full agreement that money should be used to help the family and/or Charity medical program.
If you can, please let Joseph’s parents know that we are very sorry about their loss. We are praying for them.
Frank and Colleen"
2/ Our volunteers in India have identified a new candidate, Samsun Sunny, for MMP-MC medical support through this GlobalGiving funded project, while help will be also be given to Joseph Enok’s family to settle Joseph final hospital bills, and to start building a small, more decent house for the family. We recently received this note from our partners JY/JS in India:
“...Following are the details of the new cardiac patient:
Name of the patient Samsun K Sunny
Age: 11 Yrs
Father’s Name: K P Sunny
Address: S/o Late Paulose
Kottil House, Gandhigram
Irinjalakuda
Father's Job Driver – contract
Mother Housewife
Two Brother's
8 year's and 6 year's old
Other details: Samsun studies in 5th standard grade. He was admitted in different hospitals in Irinjalakuda and Trichur due to vomiting since February 12, 2008. His disease was diagnosed as Cardiac Miopathy at Mother's Hospital Trichur and the doctors there referred him to Amrutha Hospital. On March 3rd he was admitted in the ICU of Amrutha Hospital, in Ernakulam. His hospital admission number is 657941. His consultant Doctor is Dr. Krishnakumar. After being admitted to Amrutha Hospital he suffered 3 cardiac arrests. During this period he underwent various tests & treatments and was in ventilator for some days. For a treatment named E P Test and R. F ablation Rs. 28,000 (US$700) was paid. Eco test is done daily. In the initial days expenditure for medicine & ICU rent was around Rs. 3,000 per day(US$75). After the repeated cardiac arrests and the corresponding treatments the expenditure increased to Rs. 5000/ per day (US$125). Yesterday afternoon he was shifted to ward under strict observation... Mathew"
Comments: What has been paid so far with the help of local collections with family neighbors and our JY/JS Friends, amounts to about US$1,500. They have exhausted local possibilities for more financial support and the family of Samsun is poor. Our volunteers have suggested to try and save this boy now that Joseph Enok has died. He is in the care of doctors at same good hospital where Joseph Enok was treated for pneumonia and was about to be operated. Family lives about 50 miles North of Kochi. We told our JY/JS partners that MMP-MC will raise new funds for this new case as needed. We told them to give also some money for Joseph family as they suggested. The worrying aspect is that Samsun apparently has difficulties to move since the time he was urgently hospitalized about two months ago. Thank you for your help. Bernie
Attachments:
what was done, how much money has been spent, how much more is needed.
By Bernie - Volunteer Board Director, December 28, 2007 05:51 PM
Three years after the tsunami, most fishermen have resumed their productive activities to feed their families, which were left with nothing after the tragic disaster. Emergency relief has been practically completed at the cost of US$19,737 and made a big difference in the life of these families who were able to rebuild a livelihood in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Replacing destroyed fishing boats is no more needed as big donor agencies have given too many. Fishing nets are still occasionally given on a case by case basis. Andhra Pradesh component was completed beginning 2006.
The focus since 2006 and for 2007 has been therefore on home reconstruction, flood protection work at home, village or population relocation shelter level, medical/dental care, access to school for tsunami affected and other poor students and assistance to families in difficulty in Tamil Nadu and Kerala: clean water supply and electricity connection; food supplements; school tuition; medical assistance; clothing; small productive equipment such as sewing machines; kitchen utensils, back to school items. US$7,970 has been spent on this revised program (total spent: US$27,707 including GG 10% admin cost).
Current results include:
(a) Providing household utensils, clean water, food supplements, clothes, medical care, school supplies, sewing machines and fishing nets to a target population of 400 villagers in Tamil Nadu and Kerala;
(b) Repairing 10 homes and rebuilding 9 homes in Kerala and Tamil Nadu; and
(c) Protecting/sponsoring 10 poor children of families identified as victims of the tsunami who received $250 each in May and again in October since 2005 for medical assistance, safe water, and school enrollment and tuition (other non GG resources also used for this part of the program);
(d) Helping 25 tsunami-affected girls finish high school in Santhome, Chennai, a success commented in previous progress reports and a proposed program extension for 2008.
Great care is given to ensure that the recovery effort does not exacerbate existing inequities, and that all people being helped are on their way to a better and safer development path than they were prior to the tragic tsunami three years ago.
Progress, however, is slow today because funds are needed (US$27, 293) to complete the planned activities. Project full implementation can be made possible thanks to the generosity of Global Giving donors and all those who care, especially when the media are drawing attention to new calamities, and tsunami survivors are forgotten. Rebuilding a home is a long and painful process. We are happy that many families are better off today. We still need to help a few under this project and another one on Global Giving focusing on other similar needs. There are 20,000 families who are still homeless following the tragedy in India alone. Our target beneficiaries here are about 400 families, and we have helped about 50% of them so far, one way or another. Thank you.
Tsunami Three Years Later
By Mary - Benefactress, December 26, 2007 05:48 PM
Three years after Indian Ocean nations were lashed by massive tsunamis, somber ceremonies were held Wednesday December 26, 2007 to recall those lost in one of the worst natural catastrophes in modern times.
The toll was more than 220,000 killed in a dozen nations.
In India, where more than 16,000 people died, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, hundreds of survivors, mostly poor fishermen and their families, held a procession in Nagapattinam district in southern Tamil Nadu state, where more than 6,000 people died.
Youngsters from tsunami-affected families offered flowers to the victims, while earlier in the day parents who had lost children three years ago thronged local beaches and prayed for the souls of their loved ones.
Tens of thousands of Indians lost huts in the disaster and rights groups say more than 20,000 tsunami-affected families are still waiting for new homes.
"The only true joy of my life is God", said a survivor who lost everything and every family member.
"Let us leave behind all our tears and work together to rebuild our homes and our lives, hoping that one day we can repay our 'debt' to the international community," another said . Thank you for your prayers and for continuing to donate generously to this project to complete it as quickly as possible.
Help needed for St Joseph's house for poor rural teenage girls
By Bernie - Volunteer Director, November 19, 2007 08:46 PM
Many of our past donors have been enthusiastic of Ms Backiamary activities helping underprivileged teenage girls in Santhome near Madras/Chennai (see previous update by Meredith).
These successful activities to send poor girls to school thanks to Backiam's “student hostel” are still part of project description for this post-tsunami reconstruction supported by Global Giving.
From now to April 2008, there is time to possibly get some new funding to help these 25 girls finish high school (US$ 3,750 needed).
Also, since a majority of them are financially handicapped they cannot continue their higher education. Therefore, local school authorities in Madras/Chennai, including Bishop Dr. Lawrence Pius D fully support the idea that the house stays open beyond April 2008 to these girls and other rural teenage girls, aspiring for short-term vocational training courses. These courses are sponsored by local NGOs in the city, whereby the future of the poor girls is secured if they are helped and guided thanks to the dedicated house director Ms Backiamary. Basic cost of living and studying is US$25 per girl per month during one year, i.e. a total of about $7,500 needed for 2008.
Thank you for your perseverant and continuing financial help to support this wonderful part of the project, which is also supervised in the field by our volunteer project supervisor Mathew Sebastian. Sincerely, Bernie
Attachments:
Observations from a project visit
By Meredith Landis - GlobalGiving Volunteer, August 13, 2007 08:29 PM
Along the beaches of Chennai, many poor and destitute have built tiny thatch huts as homes. Many of the families from this poor fishing community cannot afford to live in real homes.
When the tsunami hit in 2004, all of the huts were destroyed and the government established a law that no new structures could be built within 500 yards of the shore. Many fishing families refused to leave the beaches since their livelihoods depended on the ocean, despite the government ordinance. Those who did not rely so heavily on fishing agreed to the relocation in Kannagi Nagar, a town 25 km from Chennai.
Unfortunately, the school system of Kannagi Nagar is poorly run and is not even certified to train students for their graduation exams. Some students are forced to commute daily to Chennai to continue attending the Santhome School, but find the commute a drain on time and resources.
JYO immediately began supporting Sr. Bakiam, an inspiring women who independently founded a youth hostel for girls in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The purpose of the hostel was to allow girls of relocated families to continue in the Santhome School without commuting, thus permitting them to present their exams and hopefully find employment. The younger students who were not yet preparing for their exams were supplied stipends for travel, books, uniforms, and health costs, thanks to funding by JYO.
Currently, 25 girls live in the hostel. The students attend school daily. All of their fees, uniforms, books, etc, were replaced after the tsunami. While living in the hostel, the girls receive breakfast and dinner and have access to a tutor from 6-8pm for extra help on their Math and Science work.
Besides the wonderful work at the girls’ hostel, JYO supports another incredible project headed by Matthew. JYO used funds from GlobalGiving to give almost 11,500 rupees to each student commuting to the Santhome School in Chennai from Kannagi Nagar.
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We are grateful!
By Backiam - St Joseph Boarding school, Santhome , August 07, 2007 06:51 PM
Loving greetings from Backiam, St Joseph House for displaced tsunami girl students, Santhome.
Hope you are all keeping well.
Here we are all alright despite monsoon flooding . The good news is all our students (27)passed their exams this year and got good marks. (only 2 students got low marks). I am so happy. Next school year we will have 25 students.
Hope to do well. Praying for you all. I am in contact with Joemon and project supervisor Mathew.
Thanking you,
With warm regards,
Backiam.
2006 Annual report
By Claudine Dussert - President, April 03, 2007 05:43 PM
Dear Global Giving benefactors, we especially thank all those who contributed these past two years to make a difference in the life of many suffering people in Southern India. Enclosed new MMP-MC annual report (10 pages, India in front) will brief you on progress made and work still to be done to complete this post-tsunami project hopefully this year.
E-mail us if you have specific questions and we will be pleased to respond.
With the remarkable partnership we have in India with Jeevana Samridhi Charity/Jesus Youth non-profit, each dollar is going a long way in helping beneficiaries rebuild their lives, homes, health and livelihoods, and in sending boys and girls to school.
Our ratio of management cost to core program expenses is a low 5% placing MMP-MC --although a small Charity--among the best non-profits for financial performance and good use of your donations.
God bless you all. Claudine
(see attachment)
Attachments:
Meredith Landis from GlobalGiving visits tsunami-affected girls in Santhome/Chennai
By Bernie - Board Director, February 22, 2007 12:38 PM
Joyful high school girls welcome Meredith with flowers and smiles when Ms. Backiam, Director of the shelter in Santhome/Chennai introduced her to these former tsunami victims. "It is very inspiring to see these girls so happy to be able to go to school", said Meredith after the visit on February 5, 2007. She was accompanied by Mathew Sebastian, our local project supervisor in India. See picture # 2 in photo gallery.
Thank you for rebuilding our livelihoods!
By Mathew Sebastian - Field Operations Supervisor in Kochi, India, August 23, 2006 06:11 PM
Dear Bernie and Claudine,
Loving greetings from India to MMPMCharity and the good people of Global Giving! We are really appreciating your dedicated services to the deserving fishermen families and children you help.
Let me give you the present status of Joseph Enok- baby with the heart problem born 9 months after the tsunami. I have discussed about procedure of treatment with Joseph Enok's father in the tsunami affected fishing village near Chellanam in Kerala. The doctors of Amrita Institute of medical sciences in Cochin finalized the date of the life saving operation - 25th August 2006. By this month he will complete his first birthday and even the doctors advised to do the operation at the earliest possible date. Joseph Enok is admitted in the hospital for necessary checkup today.
Since this is major surgery – Intra Cardiac Repair Surgery--, they have asked to deposit INRs.150,000/ (one lac fifty thousand, i.e. US$3,350), before the surgery and give further account statements later.
I have visited also the homes under reconstruction in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Project is progressing well. Three houses have just been completed as planned.
I met Ms Backiamary, so dedicated to help the 25 tsunami affected girl students in Santhome, Chennai. The donation received from Global Giving helped buy tables and benches for the study room and the girls do not need to sit on the cement floor anymore. She wrote a letter saying: "The children are studying seriously and end of August [school year there is from June to March] they will have their first mid term test. We are so grateful for your current and future support and will always remember you all in our prayers". Tables and benches cost US$900 and the boarding House needs now US$3,000 to cover expenses till end school year.
I went also to Pondicherry and met social workers including project volunteer Bibin Thomas. He explained me the real situation in the coastal villages of Ambedkar Nagar, Kappankulam and Pethenkuppam. The real picture today is that fishermen do not need anymore new fishing boats, because they got enough equipment including boats from many other big funding agencies competing among themselves. This part of project is therefore completed. The stitching training centre in Cuddalore seems to be closed. We will deliver sewing machines (US$100 each) to young village women on a case by case basis only according to real need.
Many children still need help and families are still without electricity and clean water. Once again we are very glad and thankful for your dedicated and noble service. May God bless you all. With warm regards, Mathew Sebastian, Post-Tsunami field operations supervisor, Kochi, India
Attachments:
Urgent Post-Tsunami Update 2
By Claudine, President, - MARY MOTHER OF PEACE-MEDJUGORJE CHARITY , April 19, 2006 03:41 PM
The stories of the resilience of the survivors of the tsunami are inspiring. One example among many others, which has been successful the first year and needs immediate additional support in 2006 to ensure sustainable results, is St. Joseph House for tsunami affected girl students in Santhome, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which is part of this project. Objective is to help these 25 girls complete their high school studies, a great way for them to say YES to the future after their tragic ordeal.
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Photo Update 2
By MARY MOTHER OF PEACE - MEDJUGORJE CHARITY, Inc., March 01, 2006 03:50 PM
More photos of Tsunami recovery work.
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Photo Update
By MARY MOTHER OF PEACE - MEDJUGORJE CHARITY, Inc., March 01, 2006 03:49 PM
Photos of Tsunami Recovery work.
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Tsunami Update
By MARY MOTHER OF PEACE - MEDJUGORJE CHARITY, Inc., March 27, 2006 03:24 PM
One year ago, on the day after Christmas, calamity descended on the coastal residents of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. An earthquake beneath the Indian Ocean sent a deadly wave of water that wiped out entire villages and washed away hundreds of thousands of people. One year after the tsunami, we are filled with hope, as we help people in India rebuild their homes, their lives and their livelihoods. There is much reason to be hopeful, even grateful, as we move forward. The stories of the resilience of the survivors of the tsunami are inspiring. Here are a few examples among many others.
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