Disaster relief work 2008-2009
Burma (Mayanmar) was hit hard by cyclone Nargis on May 3. It was the worst natural disaster in East Asia since the tsunami of 2004. Cyclone Nargis was a category 3 storm, with winds over 200 kmh, which killed 140,000 people, most of them in the southern Irrawaddy river delta region. This number is officially provided by the tripartite core group ASEAN, Myanmar Government and UN in the first and second periodic review. The majority of people were killed by a tidal surge 12 ft (3.5m) high. Approximately 2,5 million people have been affected by this disaster with many loosing their homes. Most of the survivors, who still did not receive any or only limited aid, are now threatened with hunger and disease.
Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, AMURT started its relief activities immediately after the Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. Food and non-food items where distributed to the survivors; Child Friendly Spaces where set up to provide psycho-social support to the children and temporary primary schools where constructed.
During the recovery period AMURT rebuilt durable shelters providing housing to families in 7 villages. It rebuild strong primary schools which could be also utilized as cyclone shelters.
AMURT also organized projects specifically focused on women’s welfare. AMURT also implements sustainable development projects to support the communities’ economical development.
In Myanmar AMURT has concentrated its post-cyclone Nargis activities and programs in Dedaye Township, Ayeyarwady division.
Food and Non-food items distribution
AMURT distributed food and non-food items to 6,000 families in 33 villages in Dedaye Township, this programme lasted until December 2008. Each family received food packages containing: rice, beans, salt, molasses and cooking oil. They also received non-food items: candles, body soap, washing soap paste and powder, metal pots and frying pans. From June to October 2008 the packages contained items for one week use. From November to December the packages contained items for one month use. The total cost of the items distributed was 107.000 Euros. The food and non-food items were distributed by a team of 16 volunteers from Yangon, where AMURT office is located.
UNIMIX distribution: AMURT distributed 383 sacks (1 tone) of UNIMIX blended food for children in 5 villages in villages. The UNIMIX was provided by UNICEF.
Toys distribution: AMURT distributed 4,000 toys around Dedaye Township. The toys were received from SAVE THE CHILDREN.
Temporary Learning Spaces
AMURT constructed 4 temporary learning spaces, or temporary schools (TLS) in 4 villages. To replace primary schools destroyed by the cyclone until permanent schools could be constructed. The TLS where constructed on betel nut tree columns, bamboo walling and grass roof. They where intended to last for 6 month. Some of them were maintained and repaired and lasted for one year.
Child Friendly Spaces (CFS)
AMURT & AMURTEL built and operated four child friendly spaces in four villages. The CFS provided care to 197 children and employed 13 local teachers and 4 assistants. The purpose of the CFS was to give psycho-social support and protection to children affected by cyclone Nargis. During the first six month at our centres the children received a daily cooked meal to supply their nutrition needs. After six month the children receive a tablet of emergency compact food (BP5) to supplement their diet. The child centres were built on solid timber with metal roofing. They have an attached kitchen and toilets. The CFS were intended to operate until March 2009, after that period they were up graded to Early Childhood Care and Development Centres (ECCDC) operating as regular pre-schools. The centres are still functioning. The ECCDC’s follow the standards of Mo SW. The teachers attend regular training sessions conducted by our coordinators.
Early Childhood Care and Development Centres (ECCDC)
The four ECCD’s (pre-schools) built by AMURT continuo to operate during this period. The first batch of students graduated in June 2009 and started attending classes at the primary school. A batch of new students started attending classes at the ECCD’s, the total number of students is 185.
Village Reconstruction Program (housing)
From September 2008 until April 2009 AMURT provided housing to families in four villages in South Dedaye Township. 290 new durable shelters were provided. On the right is an example of a one family dwelling. 28 damaged houses were repaired. This program was extended from the period of April 2009 to September 2009. During the period April 2009 to September 2009, AMURT expanded its housing program to 3 more villages in Dedaye Township. 222 new housing units were provided in two villages, increasing to 512 the total number of houses provided in the South of Dedaye Township.
All the houses provided by AMURT have the same construction standard. The housing unites are made of a heavy timber frame based on concrete footing, bamboo walling and grass roof. They are designed to resist strong winds.AMURT employed 75 local carpenters in this program.
Baby Delivery financial Support Program
AMURTEL paid for the baby delivery expenditures to 61 women. Pregnant and breast feeding women also received dietary supplements, underwear and baby kits. A local staff organized and conducted the women programs.
Women Livelihood Program
AMURTEL provided training for 13 women in tailoring; sewing machines were donated to the participants of the training. Women also received training in shampoo making and financial management. AMURTEL gave cash grant to 120 women to start small business, each woman received 100,000 Kyats (~100USD).
Permanent Primary School Construction (cyclone shelter)
AMURT built 5 primary schools and one post primary schools from April to July 2009. The schools are constructed in reinforced concrete and are 6 fit high above the ground level to serve as cyclone shelter. The design includes large child friendly classrooms with plenty of natural light, teacher’s room and library. The schools are fully equipped with furniture: desks, benches, tables, shelves and cabinets. They are also equipped with water tanks, pumps and electric generators. The total cost of the project was 400,000 Euros. This project benefits 551 students.
Current Activities
Child Centres Construction: At present there are two child centres being build in South Dedaye. Each one will serve children from 3 villages.
Access Roads: AMURT is constructing access roads in 5 villages in Dedaye
Bridges: AMURT is building 4 bridges in Dedaye
Jetties: AMURT is building 1 reinforced concrete jetty.
Future Activities
Child Centres: two more child centres will be constructed, increasing to 8 the number of pre-schools built and operated by AMURT. They will be ready by December 2009
Primary School Construction: Two more permanent primary schools will be constructed by AMURT in Dedaye. They will be completed by April 2010.
Village Reconstruction: 85 new housing units will be built by AMURT in another village in the south of Dedaye bringing it to 8 the number of villages reconstructed by AMURT with a total of 597 houses delivered. This new project will be completed by April 2010.
