One Year After the Tsunami:

Transcription

1 One Year After the Tsunami: Public/Private Partnerships Are a Catalyst for Change As CHF International Rebuilds Sri Lanka and Indonesia One year has passed since the December 26, 2004 tsunami, which destroyed huge swaths of South and Southeast Asia. The damage was so great that the infrastructure alone will take years upon years to rebuild. Other things - including the tragic loss of life of approximately a quarter million people are irreplaceable. Still, despite the magnitude of the disaster, CHF International knows that a great deal can be done to provide devastated communities both immediate relief and assistance with long-term reconstruction, as we have done after countless other disasters around the world. As a result, we have spent the past year working to rebuild the regions most devastated by the tsunami in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, one community and one family at a time. It was hardly a surprise to see the tremendous generosity of the American people and the US government in the aftermath of the tsunami. In the face of both human and manmade disasters, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the American people have long enabled us to make long-lasting, positive change in nearly 40 countries around the world, through the 88 diverse programs we operate. And, wherever we work, CHF knows we can count on a wealth of community members, civil society organizations and local governments to support us in engaging local communities, so that they can be active participants in social, economic and infrastructural transformation. However, what we did not fully expect was the outpouring of immediate support from the private sector and countless individual donors, who were determined to take action and alleviate massive human suffering. Far more than just enabling us to expand upon efforts supported by the US government, the support of groups and people such as AIG Disaster Relief Fund, singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette, AmeriCares, Briggs and Stratton, Catholic Relief Services and DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary not only helped us to provide an immediate humanitarian response to those who lost their homes, but also helped to address longer-term economic development and livelihood restoration needs simultaneously. The result of these successful public/private partnerships was that we were able to respond to those displaced by the tsunami quickly, and with diverse range of assistance, so that they could move on with their lives. Below is an overview of the timeline outlining our response: On December 27, 2004, CHF responded immediately by mobilizing US $30,000 to address emergency housing and sanitation needs in Sri Lanka, and to provide affected communities with cooking utensils and other critical items;

2 By January 27, 2005, CHF International launched a program with USAID to build shelters for 16,000 displaced people in Sri Lanka s Galle and Matara districts; By April, 2005, we were implementing programs across South Asia to help thousands re-establish markets and livelihoods, creating 8,000 days of paid work for locals who had lost their jobs as a result of the tsunami; and By May 18, 2005, we had raised $400,000 in donations. This helped us leverage an additional $1.7 million that is helping more than 500,000 Indonesians in Aceh province. While much work remains to be done, CHF International is proud of all we have been able to accomplish over the past year, thanks to the tremendous support of the US government and the American people, and the enormous generosity of the private sector. Below are some highlights of our shared accomplishments: In Sri Lanka Reconstruction Assistance for Southern Sri Lanka (RASSL) In Sri Lanka s Galle and Matara Districts, the support we received from the United Stated Agency for International Development s [USAID] Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) helped us to: Provide acceptable shelter allowing the most vulnerable affected families (who were typically in school and temple shelters) privacy, reasonable comfort and a reusable building resource that could be utilized in housing construction or re-construction. We built and/or renovated over 2,000 shelters, replaced over 250 tents, and upgraded 26 camps for displaced people. In addition, we equipped both camps and smaller shelter communities with nearly 1,500 water and sanitation systems, providing the families we have been assisting with restroom and washing facilities, as well as rainwater collection systems. Increase the earnings of low-income affected members of the population through dignified employment, by hiring local contractors and community members in the reconstruction process, which generated nearly 23,000 paid labor days. Quickly address key social and economic infrastructure needs of the community. These efforts focused in infrastructure interventions that have allowed children to quickly return to normal play activities and schooling. These efforts helped build or repair 24 schools and community centers, 18 public buildings, and 12 infrastructure projects. Provide affected communities with livelihood assistance, including nearly 800 grants and loans; nearly 3,200 solid waste management projects; built 7 animal shelters; and shelter residents in over 2,500 home gardening projects that are providing both a source of income and nutrition. At top, an elderly woman who has received a transitional shelter; at bottom, young Sri Lankan boys stand outside a new school built through RASSL

3 In the community of Weratna, Piuma Hemali (at left) lost her home as a result of the tsunami, but volunteered her land for transitional shelters built by CHF International. There are now 13 shelters on her land, housing her and her 70 neighbors. CHF/Sri Lanka (Galle) Community Liaison Mr. Jayanatta (at right) explains how new regulations bar residents from rebuilding within 100 meters of the shoreline. While Mrs. Hemali will be able to rebuild on her land, many of those who lived within the buffer zone especially renters and squatters need a longer-term solution. Susila Wiletunge lost her home in the tsunami, and lives in a transitional shelter provided by CHF International, through the support of USAID/OFDA. CHF has now hired her to work as a program officer, and she spends her days registering people for a new permanent housing project that is being supported by Catholic Relief Services. If CHF hadn t come, we wouldn t have a place to live, she says. It s exciting to play a part in getting people into permanent homes. Livelihoods Support from DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary The generosity exhibited by the employees of international law firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary not only helped complement CHF s work with USAID in constructing and refurbishing transitional shelters, but it also helped us provide Sri Lankans with emergency relief support and longer-term livelihood restoration assistance. Working with the Arthacharya Foundation, we provided affected groups with grants so that they could purchase raw materials and business-related equipment lost in the tsunami; provide non-food items (pots and pans, chairs, bicycles) to those who lost everything; and train local community members on trauma counseling, so that they could help others impacted by the tsunami. Through the Agromart Foundation, we provided either equipment or a loan to buy raw materials, so that 270 people could restart their businesses and support 1,350 family members. DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary also helped us support the construction of an additional building at the Gokulam Bhaktivedanta Children s Home in Colombo, where nearly a third of the children lost one or both parents during the tsunami.

4 Young girls at the Gokulam Bhaktivedanta Children s Home. Of the 105 children in the home, 32 lost one or both parents during the tsunami, cramping living conditions. A new building is now under construction. Bimalka Chandiwha, a lace worker and Agromart member, lost her home and her showroom during the tsunami. She received replacement equipment, but says that the counseling that came with it, was perhaps even more valuable. CHF worked with the Arthacharya Foundation to provide 360 of their clients with small grants to restart their businesses, to train community members on trauma counseling, and to expand the market for coire rope production. Many of these people are now improving their skills set in crafts, as a means of economic development.

5 In Indonesia A wide range of partners played a critical role in ensuring CHF International s response was just as immediate as it was comprehensive. While we have just signed a new cooperative agreement with USAID to build about 1,000 permanent homes through the HIRE-ACEH program, we have spent the past year engaged in a wide variety of livelihoods programs with private sector partners that are reestablishing markets, and getting people back to work. Reconstruction of Peunayong Market In partnership with the AIG Disaster Relief Fund, which is wholly supported by generous donations from the company s employees, CHF International is overseeing the design and reconstruction of Peunayong Market, Banda Aceh's primary marketplace for the retail trade of fish, meat, and vegetable products. The groundbreaking for the new 2,000 m 2 facility was on October 27, 2005, and it will serve as an employment, health services, and trading hub for thousands of community members. In addition to 2,500 days of labor that is being generated through the construction largely employing individuals displaced by the tsunami the new market will directly benefit 400 market vendors, and will indirectly benefit tens of thousands of customers and market suppliers in the region. The new market will be earthquake resistant, will include an atrium for open air circulation, will have proper sanitation facilities, proper solid waste management system, and both a health and a safety post. Faced with poor sanitation at the makeshift market that has emerged next to the construction site, both residents and vendors are looking forward to the new facility. "The new market scheme looks much better, since the old one was too small," says Achyar, 34, who lost much of his family and his only source of income when the tsunami hit last year. "Everyone here will be grateful when the fish market is rebuilt," he says. Abdullah Umar, 38, had worked at the original market since it was built and was in the market when the earthquake-tsunami hit. He works in the makeshift market selling his tuna to the hospitals for their meals. "Puenayong has always been like my home. When it is rebuilt, I will really feel like Aceh is truly recovering."

6 Revitalizing the Community of Lhok Seudu In Lhok Seudu, a very generous grant from singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette made it possible for CHF to help thousands of tsunami-affected villagers, in partnership with local NGO Udeb Saree Lhok Seudu. With 90 percent of residents in the community reliant on the fishing industry in order to make a living, they were devastated when the tsunami destroyed all 15 of their boats. Alanis Morisette s donation helped us to provide the community of Lhok Seudu with a new boat building workshop, which has replaced 10 of the lost boats. Employing 3-4 people each, the boats and the fish they are catching are enabling villagers to earn a comfortable living once again. Dozens of villagers are now able to restart their businesses through the help of a zero-interest revolving loan fund. Alanis Morissette s support also helped us reestablish mall-scale farming for rice, watermelon, corn soybeans, ground nuts and vegetables in Lhok Seudu. Watermelons have proven to be one of the most profitable crops for the villagers. Mr. Mualiadi and his wife received US$350 as part of a revolving loan fund, and have now opened a kiosk. Mr. Mualidi for one, wants to do all he can to maximize the assistance. I want to make sure we use the assistance very carefully, he said, adding, I am taking this help openly and with both arms outstretched, but I want to use it to make our lives better and better. A boat building workshop provided through Alanis Morissette s support has replaced 10 of the 15 boats the people of Lhok Seudu lost as a result of the tsunami. They are now catching a plentitude of fish and lobster once again.

7 Reconstruction of Lampulo Market CHF Partners AmeriCares and Briggs and Stratton have been significant contributors in our efforts to reestablish Lampulo Wholesale Market, a facility that is crucial to the revitalization of the Acehnese fishing industry. AmeriCares contribution has enabled the reconstruction of the entire market. Briggs and Stratton has donated critical equipment needed to revitalize the market, including more than 300 generators, water pumps and boat motors. Much of our work to reconstruct Lampulo market has been done in close collaboration with fishing cooperative Panglima Laot, which represents nearly everyone involved in Aceh Province s fishing industry, to ensure the reconstruction effort addresses the specific needs of the fishing community. These services are desperately needed by the people of Aceh to rehabilitate their land, reconstruct homes and businesses, power their fishing boats, and most importantly, help them to regain their economic and social well being as quickly as possible. We collaborate with CHF both directly and indirectly, such as with Peunayong Market and Lampulo Markets. I help to make sure each project is a success, by ensuring the fishermen themselves have a voice in how the markets are reconstructed. Adli Abdullah Secretary General of Panglima Laot We feel really supported knowing the wholesale market is being reconstructed. It s hard to express just how helpful it will be to have the market back in place again, said Suherman, Chairman of the Fish Traders Association in Aceh. Even though it s not completed yet, it almost feels complete, and it feels like the construction is giving us a sense of being protected. Irwan Syah, 40, (at left) is one of the people who will receive a new Briggs and Stratton generator. Mr. Syah lost his wife and one of his three children in the tsunami. A member of the Panglima Laot, he says, I m really looking forward to powering my coffee shop soon. I know it will help me provide better service, and ultimately more customers.

8 Rebuilding Livelihoods in Aceh Province, Indonesia One of our most steadfast partners in the reconstruction effort this past year has been international law firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, whose staff supported economic revitalization through personal donations that were matched by the firm. Together, we have devised targeted economic initiatives that are providing vulnerable communities in and around Banda Aceh, Indonesia, with the means they need to secure bright and prosperous futures. In Pidie District, we have been working with local NGO Saleum to restore the livelihoods of those who lost everything in the earthquake and tsunami. DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary provided: Financial assistance 48 local producers of fishing nets and produce 120 nets; The materials necessary so that 291 elderly women many of whom have no other means of income the materials to produce Melinjo crackers, a popular chip; Repaired 40 damaged boats for about 225 fishermen in Cot Jaja, as well as tools and equipment; and Provided 220 itinerant traders with start-up capital, as well as bicycles and baskets, so that they could purchase and transport products between larger markets and their shops. Tgk Husen says he thought he heard the earth cry when the tsunami came. I tried with all of my might to survive, but I honestly believed no one could help. All I could do was pray to God. Mr. Husen has now received 305K rupiah (about US$300) and a bicycle with baskets, so that he can resume work as a trader and open a small store. The help I ve received has given me hope that I can rise to new heights. Usman Ubit was in the ocean when the earthquake hit, and he saw the ocean turn dry. He says, I thought it was the end of the world. But now he s received a new sabu (shrimp) net, and can earn a living once again. The new sabu net makes me feel proud.

9 Rehabilitating the Traditional Handicrafts Sector For generations, Aceh has been home to small-scale handicraft industries (largely dominated by women) for the production of handbags, embroidered clothes and pastries for special events. An estimated 50% to 80% of traditional handicrafts producers were killed in the earthquake and tsunami. Of those who survived, many lost all of their inventories and equipment, and now reside in camps for Internally Displaced Persons. Together, DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, CHF International and local partner Asosiasi Eksportir dan Produsen Handicraft Indonesia (ASEPHI) are building a new Crafts Center and helping to reestablish the capabilities of local producers (almost all of whom are women) in embroidered clothing, pastries and decorative packaging. As a result of the support: A new Crafts Center will serve as a training and production center for other women who want to hone their crafts, which will also include an exhibition hall and a café to appeal to buyers; Over 25 IDP women, previously not involved in the craft trade, have been trained in three basic areas of craft design (embroidered clothing, pastries, and decorative boxes), and learned new skills, allowing them to participate in the handicraft industry; The current members of ASEPHI have been provided 50 craft-specific tools and modules so that they can re-start their craft production; and Six of the women involved with the traditional Acehnese pastries have since moved from the IDP camps to barracks and are continuing the daily production of pastries, selling them to residents and nearby workers. With profits of up to approximately US$5 per day, the earned income is commonly used by the women to cover schooling costs, supplement food and medicine for their children and for the purchase of additional supplies for making pastries. DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary support has enabled CHF International in our efforts to construct a new Crafts Center that will help displaced women an alternate livelihood to support their families. The director of ASEPHI, Amnayusra (in red) is emotional and impassioned as she speaks about the destruction caused by the tsunami, and her belief that the new Crafts Center will help the women she works with restart their lives.