Post-Tsunami reconstruction: work for women and aid for children
An international organization, the Catholic Commission for Women, is implementing projects for women and children. A village leader said: "Thanks to the commission, we are moving towards a normal life."
Ranong (AsiaNews) Several organisations, governmental and otherwise, are pressing ahead with efforts in six provinces in southern Thailand for reconstruction and development of areas hit by the tsunami. Among them is the Catholic Commission for Women (CCW) that focuses on women and children in Baan Bangman, Ranong province and Baan Paktriem, Pang-nga province, with support from Caritas Switzerland.
Saowanij Nich-Ananchai, CWW secretary-general, said: "The objective of the project is to restore the traditional occupations of the Muslim community, and to help people to return to normal life as soon as possible. Our projects aim to create professional potential and to establish a development centre for children of preschool age, around three or four years, to help them and their families.
"We are assisted by Vichapa Luangjok, an official of the social development centre in Ratchaburi province, who suggests occupations for women as an alternative to fishing, the main source of income of their husbands."
Visanu Marnjitra, one of the village leaders, shared his experience. "It may seem as if we lost nothing, but our fishing banks were destroyed within a few minutes. The government can only make good for 10%of our losses. Now, thanks to the help of the CCW we are moving towards a normal life. Besides, the children's development centre is very important for us: children learn how to be and to play together."
Chamaiporn Chalarddee, a project leader, explained: "The living conditions of the community are not so good in some villages, especially of immigrant workers. We try to provide basic education including Thai language to their children."
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12/02/2008
