CMAT to assist eight Tsunami affected orphanages in Tamil Nadu, India

February 9, 2005: CMAT team members recently returned from Banda Aceh, Indonesia after coordinating several post Tsunami relief projects in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. One of the main projects is to work with partner MER-C Indonesia to provide health services to the people of Banda Aceh for the next six months.

CMAT will support doctors, nurses, medications and medical supplies to Malahayati Hospital in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, being run by MER-C Indonesia. Moreover, CMAT is sending a team of three nurses to work with a U.K. group of doctors on a medical ship traveling between Aceh and Meuloboh to service communities along the shoreline made inaccessible due to Tsunami flood waters and loss of shoreline. More than two kilometers of Sumatran shoreline out of the original four kilometers have been lost post-Tsunami. More details will be published later.

Meanwhile, in the Tsunami devastated district of Kanniyakumari, in Tamil Nadu, India, CMAT Volunteers Mr. James Caddell and Ms. Tara Newell have completed a needs assessment. Whereas the needs of the communities have been met by local NGOs, including food, medicine, water and employment, the needs of the children at the local orphanages has largely been neglected. Eight orphanages in the area have been identified that are in dire need of emergency assistance. CMAT has stepped forward to meet this need. CMAT intends the following:

• $13,000 USD immediate cash grant to the orphanages to meet Tsunami-related emergency needs (e.g. medicine, blankets, sandals, food, etc.) to be distributed to eight orphanages in Kanniyakumari district – all in dire need. These funds represent part of the funds raised by Project Helping Hands.
• $2,000 USD operating grant to Sirumalar Home (the most in need) in light of the Tsunami and increased needs at the home (funds have already been disbursed to the home).
• Begin funding operational expenses of Sirumalar Home – $500 USD per month.
• Improve nutrition for children at the home, including purchase of 2 milk cows to provide milk, cheese and yoghurt (purchased with funds from Emily C. General Elementary School, a Six Nations Native school in Oshweken, Canada, and Brantford, Canada-based Store Image Inc.)
• Improve facilities in the classrooms (ceiling fans, chalk boards, school supplies, etc.)
• Improve sleeping facilities for the children.
• Provide basic hygiene supplies.
• Provide adequate footwear for the children.
• Provide medications, medical supplies and first aid kits.
• Arrange for orphanage staff to be trained in basic and advanced first aid.

Please keep checking our website for updates and photos and a more detailed Tsunami report to be released by CMAT field staff in India.

CMAT is grateful for the generous support of its donors.