1223 Tsunami relief 'Bangsak Project' almost at constructions stage
austraLasia 1223

Tsunami relief 'Bangsak Project' almost at constructions stage

BANGKOK: 4 August 2005 --  Residents of Southern Thailand's coastal village of Ban Bang Sak were amongst those worst affected by the Christmas Tsunami.  Already in early January austraLasia had reported a visit to the village by Bishop Prathan and by various members and groups of the Salesian Family to help in the immediate relief work.  The Bishop and the new Salesian Provincial were already keen at that stage to do something for the many young people, orphaned, without access to support for schooling and most basic needs.  That was the origin of the 'Bangsak Project'.
    Now, with the help especially of VIS, the Rome-based Salesian International Volunteer organisation, which has been coordinating funding elements of project management as part of the Don Bosco Network, an umbrella organisation of half a dozen Salesian European volunteer and funding groups, land has been purchased in the area.  10.6 acres have been purchased, in itself a difficult acquisition for that part of Thailand.  But now with the purchase clear - and the land cleared - the hope is to begin construction in October or November.  The project aims to provide housing and facilities for young people of the area to ensure they grow up with all due care and are educated.
    Meanwhile the project is being supported and closely monitored by VIS who will send their experts to report on progress made.  VIS was amongst the first of the major international organisations to ensure that adequate relief aid and personnel was available after the Tsunami.  They are assisted by the fact that in places like southern Thailand, Sri Lanka and Southern India, affected by the Tsunami, there are many Salesian communities who were ready to manage projects that would offer a long-term response to the situation.  It is these projects that are now beginning to come to fruition.
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