Our projects have upheld the value of sustainability from the very start. You can see this in the way that our immediate response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 quickly evolved into a more long term sustainable strategy for recovery.

On Boxing Day in 2004, the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami hit the coasts of several countries of South and Southeast Asia. Around a third of those who lost their lives were children. Circumstances meant that One to One Children’s Fund was perfectly placed to start relief efforts in Kerala the next day.

The initial focus was on meeting basic short term needs; providing food and clothing. However, this soon developed into a long term strategy for the repair of schools, the after-school care of vulnerable children, the provision of clean water, and the restoration of livelihoods. In partnership with Sahayi, a local NGO, we established child activity centres in Tamil Nadu and Allapad, Kerala. These addressed the nutritional, educational and social needs of 1,500 of the most vulnerable children. Sahayi and One to One Children’s Fund also organised Capacity Building Programmes for Children and Youth Leaders, and set up Child Recreation Centres with library facilities. Children who had had their lives ripped apart by the devastating tsunami could now be provided with after-school care and educational opportunities, along with a chance to make a positive impact on their communities by improving local sanitation.

IMPACT

• In Alappad, 15 children’s assemblies were organised and one children’s parliament to help develop confidence, practice value-based democracy at grassroots level and empower themselves to engage with pressing community issues.

• Around 1,000 children regularly participated in the meetings and the children also developed programmes to improve environmental hygiene.

• 10 programmes were set up for cleaning the premises of school, healthcare centres and other public places.