thailand
In 2005, the GSBI Foundation received contributions from donors as many chose to channel their sadness into action and set out to make a difference in the lives of some of those devastated by the tsunami disaster. The scale of human tragedy in South Asia is sometimes beyond our ability to completely fathom. It has been clear, though, that the disaster is beyond the scope and capability of any one organization or government to address fully. We are committed to do what we can within our area of expertise and experience to help educate children who have suffered.
After a thorough review of the needs in Thailand related to the tsunami, we developed and are implementing a plan intended to make a sustainable difference in the lives of some of the tsunami victims. GSBI decided to concentrate support on one village -- Khao Thong, in the Muang District, in the province of Krabi, which was heavily damaged from the tsunami. Click here to see the MAP of the village.
We decided to work as partners with two highly respected non-profit Thai organizations, The International Support Group Foundation and the Population and Community Development Association. This work is part of a community-based project where those that live in the village play a key role in the planning and implementation of the needed assistance.
The project focuses on the post-emergency activities that are required for the villagers to put their lives back together and return, as much as possible, to normal. The tsunami struck this small village of 657 people with such suddenness that the survivors had no time to save anything except their lives. The fishermen, farmers, laborers, and other poor villagers are trying to rebuild their small businesses and livelihoods as well as their homes, with minimal or no savings and little access to credit
Thus far, 60 needy children have been selected by the village committee for the GSBI sponsored scholarship program; 30 elementary and 30 secondary school children. Below are photos of some of the children. Periodic updates will be provided on the tsunami project. Visit us again to learn more about the progress of the children of Khao Thong, Thailand.
< go to the tsunami project photo gallery >
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