austraLasia 981
Asia Quake: how the Salesians are organising funds
from the rest of the world
ROME: 3rd January '05 -- Just over a week
later, and the Salesians, as a worldwide organisation, are closely involved in
the relief operation around Indian Ocean nations affected by the Tsunami on 26th
December 2004.
There are some 600 Salesians from 93
communities 'on the ground' helping directly in terms of immediate
assistance - amongst their own people. They have the advantage of knowing
the language and knowing the needs, and are obviously well-placed for the most
immediate help, as well as thinking through longer-term responses. Their
most immediate response however has been to offer shelter to thousands of
temporary refugees.
From Rome, the decision has been made to
coordinate funds that have been pouring in either directly from Salesian sources
or from many other people, especially throughout Europe, and to encourage people
to work via this coordination. The 'Don Bosco Network' is an Umbrella
organisation recognised by the EU comprising seven European Salesian-based
NGO's, and as such has the possibility or coordinating very large efforts and
transferring funds with the least hassle. Both the Rector Major and the
Missions Councillor in Rome are kept well-informed of each situation in
countries where Salesians are, and consequently are in a good position to
determine funding allocations according to need.
The very first response from Rome was an
amount of 50,000 Euros to the most severely affected areas where Salesians are
close to the tragedy - Thailand, Sri Lanka and India. This was before
funds began to come in. Now that additional funds are available, the
coordination of further funding through the Salesians is being managed by
Fr Ferdinand Colombo of VIS (the Italian based Salesian Volunteer
Organisation). VIS already has volunteers in most of the affected areas
and has been asked to help coordinate the worldwide Salesian relief
effort.
VIS has adopted a five point set of
criteria with which to make funding recommendations to the Rector Major: 1.
Water, food and medicines to those immediately in need of such 2. offer of
shelter to those who have lost homes, especially for children, orphans 3.
beginning the process of rebuilding of homes, provision of sanitation and
rebuilding schools 4. providing tools for work - nets, boats, agricultural
implements 5. looking to the longer term support especially of
children.
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'austraLasia' is
an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia-Pacific. It functions
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