TSUNAMI PROJECTS
Since 2004, rehabilitation in the tsunami affected villages adopted by SST in Tamil Nadu has been steady. Reconstruction work in the coastal areas of Nagapattinam and Kanniyakumari has been extended to 4 villages. Construction of 169 single storey, brick houses was completed last year and handed over to tsunami victims. All homes are now occupied and the residents maintain their houses.
All the women in the tsunami project are now enrolled in Self Help Groups. A variety of income generating activities helps each member to earn additional income ranging from Rs.1000/- to Rs.1500/- per month.
Education has received special focus in tsunami villages. Infrastructure in 10 schools has been improved and additional classrooms constructed in 2 schools. The quality of education has improved. Special coaching classes are held for Board level students. Slow learners are helped to improve their learning.
Adult literacy programmes for women have enabled them to learn accounting and book-keeping to run their businesses successfully. This has transformed their lives. From financially dependent housewives they are now income earners for their families. Computer classes and vocational training courses have opened new opportunities for employment amongst young people.
General standards of health has improved with better sanitation, proper drainage and effective waste management. Waste water is now diverted to soak pits / kitchen gardens. Regular garbage collection has now made these villages clean. Four new Primary Health Centres now provide easy access to medical facilities.
This effort has been primarily to the donations received from the German Business Community and Consultate General Earthquake Assistance Foundation, Diageo Foundation and The Exel Foundation.
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