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The Sri Lankan government has decided to allocate 500
acres of land for the construction of 6,000 homes for
the tsunami victims. Of the 6,000 homes, 1,000 will
be built by Tzu Chi. Since Sri Lanka is geographically
closer to Singapore and Malaysia, Tzu Chi volunteers
from those two countries might be given the opportunity
to take charge of the relief plan, whose focus is to
design the community in such a way that brings hope
back to the survivors.
Offering free clinics and building tents were our initial-phase
relief efforts. The ultimate goal is to build a Great
Love community with 1,000 permanent houses that will
help the survivors rebuild their lives. The relief work
carried out is one of a continuous, caring effort rather
than a temporary fervor.
Not knowing the local and cultural work habits, the
initial construction schedule was packed a bit too expectantly,
and thus we found construction behind schedule right
from its start on Jan. 14. Fortunately, a Pakistani
army team arrived in Hambantota and offered to help
in building the tents. Some of those 32 soldiers were
actually engineering corps and were rather skilled in
building bathrooms.
In addition, a group of workers from a local garment
factory used their holiday and vacation time to come
help out, driving six hours to reach the construction
site. It is truly wonderful to see volunteers of different
races, religions, and countries working together to
bring hope to the tsunami victims.
There were two Singaporean television crew members
who came with the fourth Tzu Chi medical and relief
team to report on Tzu Chi's relief efforts in Sri Lanka.
The producer of the program commented, "I am very
touched to see those Singaporean and Malaysian entrepreneurs
putting aside their high social status to serve as Tzu
Chi volunteers and willing to do even trivial chores
for others. Tzu Chi people truly care about the victims'
needs and help them to stand up again. My experience
during this trip with Tzu Chi is really worthwhile."
A 50-year-old survivor, Seranath, has not worked for
15 years due to a foot disease. His wife took care of
the four children, and his two sons, aged 14 and 12,
usually helped sell vegetables and fruits at the market.
Both sons were on the way to the market when the tsunami
struck and were swept away. Only the elder son's body
was found.
During our home visit, we provided the family with
groceries and also gave drawing books and pens to the
children. Meanwhile, our doctor carefully treated Seranath's
skin problem. The love and care expressed transcended
our language barriers, and even the local volunteers
accompanying us were deeply touched by the scene.
Yasawathee was eight-months pregnant and looking forward
to a happy family life with her husband and in-laws.
Her husband ran a bonsai business with his father at
the market. Unfortunately, everything changed when the
tsunami claimed the lives of both her husband and father-in-law.
When we visited Yasawathee, she was still feeling lost,
alone and sad. A volunteer cheered her up, and our doctors
gave her advice on giving birth. We encouraged a continuous
family support system as the mother-in-law seemed to
be able to cope with the deaths of husband and son better.
As we were leaving, we offered gifts and our blessings.
The 33-year-old Maas Azoor lost everything, including
his wife, two children and their house, during the disaster
and is now temporarily living with his relatives. M.
Shiraz Maharoof was in the same situation and lost his
entire family and savings. Both of them were unable
to sleep at night and felt uncertain about their future.
Their family pictures and memories were the only things
they could hold on to.
As an expression of our care and concern, we offered
them some ready-to-eat dried food and our deepest condolences.
We also said to them, "Please come and help us
set up the tents if you need jobs. Remember that you
are not alone since we all love you. Look ahead and
be strong so that you will be able to help others."
"I will definitely go to your center," said
Maas Azoor, with a sparkle shining in his sad eyes.
This was the first act of kindness he had received after
the tragedy. We wish it will be a good start for him
to have the strength to face reality and resume his
life once more.
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