RITINJALI'S RELIEF EFFORTS IN TSUNAMI HIT AREAS

On December 26 th 2004, the tsunami struck the southern coast of India , unleashing untold fury and inflicting large-scale damage to life and property. A number of settlements were washed away and extensive damage was done to life and property. Response to the relief and rehabilitation of the disaster struck people was unprecedented as help flowed in from diverse quarters. Government as well as Non Governmental Organisations and civil society in general joined hands and extended their wholehearted support towards rebuilding lives.

Committed to bring hope where there is none, RITINJALI was among the NGOs that responded to the humanitarian disaster instantly, by sending relief material at a short notice to Karaikal in Pondicherry . Our initial involvement had convinced us of the need to extend our helping hand and expertise to rebuild the lives of the people who had been affected by the disaster. Recognising our efforts and our capabilities, we have been allotted the village of Kalikuppam by the Government of Pondicherry to rebuild the settlement and rehabilitate its inhabitants. Towards this end we have drawn out elaborate plans and have achieved significant progress in the implementation of these plans.

LIVELIHOOD

Boats - Since the inhabitants of the village are primarily fisher folk, Ritinjali has provided the villagers with 20 fibreglass boats along with engines and nets. The boats have been custom-made taking into account the requirements of the fishermen.

Tailoring Unit - After repeated visits by a group of Ritinjali volunteers and employees, the need for motivating women and initiating vocational training programmes for them was felt. The programme is designed to empower them that would help them earn their living. Hence Ritinjali set up a tailoring unit. To begin with, we bought 6 machines. We have also hired a teacher to train the women of the village. It is encouraging to see women trying to come out after effects of the disaster and begin a new life.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Several programmes for youth and children were also rolled out.

Computer Center - Ritinajli started a small computer unit with one computer and an expert to lure the younger generation. Tamil keyboard was introduced keeping the local realities in mind. The attempt generated a lot of interest amongst the youth and the children. After receiving their encouraging response, Ritinjali collaborated with NIIT to set up a small NIIT KIOSK with 2 computers.

School - Ritinjali is deeply committed to education. Since the tsunami had destroyed the earlier school building, the students had stopped going to school. A temporary shelter was constructed to accommodate the students to help them continue their education process.

Scholarships - Tsunami had economically ruined the lives of the dwellers hence it was difficult for some of the children to continue their education. Ritinjali has provided these children with scholarships on a regular basis. This has motivated them to realise their ambition to achieve their goals. We are in constant touch with them for their wholesome development. Presently there are 18 children who have been provided scholarships.

Tuition Centre - A Tuition Centre has been setup to assist the students with their studies and nurture them to bring out the best in them. Ritinjali has a team of experts to provide them individual guidance on a regular basis. This helps in monitoring their progress also.

Recreation Centre -

Gymnasium - Ritinjali has set up a gym to facilitate the physical and mental growth of the youth. It has been a pleasure to see the youth exercising regularly every day.

Living room - To help the villagers overcome their grief and pain, Ritinjali built a small living room with a television for the entire community's entertainment. It is nice to see people of all age groups viewing the different channels in their regional language.

CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES AND SCHOOL

Ritinjali's valuable contribution was duly recognised by the Pondicherry Government and Ritinjali was officially declared the designated NGO to rehabilitate the inhabitants of Kalikuppam. Consequently, Ritinjali signed an MOU with the representative of the President of India, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Govt. of Pondicherry, Mr. B.V.Selvaraj.

As per the MOU, Rritinjali has been allotted a land for construction of 175 houses along with a school, community centre and anganwadi.

Ritinjali has also formulated a blue print of the housing plan keeping in view their living habits. The design of the village and the housing plan has been forwarded to the concerned authorities in the Government. Their feedback on the designs has also been received and the suggestions are being incorporated in the plans.