last update 2005.3.13

Emergency aid to preschools and families in southern Sri Lanka [May 26, 2003]

More than 250 people are now known to have died and some three quarters of a million people have been affected in the country’s worst floods in 50 years in Sri Lanka.

Matala district was the second most severely-affected area. SVS has a federation of 45 preschools and more than 1000 families here. The first relief effort was quickly done by the Sri Lankan government, Indian help workers and NGOs to supply food, clothing, etc.

We are concerned about hygiene in the area, and helping them prepare for the long term. There is still a great health and hygiene risk and the hospitals need time to re-stock their supplies. SVS has started to provide first aid boxes for preschools and family aid boxes to their homes through the preschools.

Preschool Kit — $19 or Rs.1500

Family Kit — $5 or Rs.400

Contents: soap, antiseptic disinfectant, ointment, plasters, gauze, cotton, bandages, scissors, fever relief, syrup for vomiting, surgical spirits, pain relief cream etc. All the items are put in first aid boxes and hung on the wall to keep them clean and sterile.

[Goal] $5,855 or Rs.467,500

Preschool Kit $19 x 45 = $855

Family Kit $5 x 1,000 = $5,000

SVS will provide transport and other expenses to deliver these kits.

Progress Report

[May 31, 2003] Thank you for your contribution.

200,000 yen and Rs.14,500

We made 45 medical boxes. The Japanese women’s volunteer group helped do this packing work. We will hand the boxes over to Pasgoda preschool on June 2nd.