CREST went into the Ayeyarwaddy delta for post-Nargis evaluation during the 3rd week of September.  It was an 11 hour journey on land, crossing over watery labyrinths. Based on the assessment, a 3-prong approach has been adopted  to address the recovery of economy and livelihood, rebuilding of homes and community centres, and education of slum children and orphans.

The first group is the villagers of Kwin Gyee who are mostly fishermen. They requested for livelihood assistance, i.e. to supply them with fishing boats and fishing nets.  The rice fields have been damaged and are too salty for anything to grow except grass. The most viable means of generating income is fishing until the monsoon season starts next April.

The second group is the local Christian NGOs who have already started reconstruction of homes and community centers.  Thousands of buildings are at different stages of construction and additional funding is required.

The third group and the most vulnerable are the children. Myanmar Compassion Project (MCP) oversees 180 orphanages in Myanmar. The most pressing need is in the area of education.  MCP has to pay the children’s school fees and buy books, school uniforms, stationery and school bags. A basic school fee of USD180 is needed for 6 years of uninterrupted schooling.  This does not include the cost of school books, school uniforms and food.  I saw many children working late into the nights at eating shops.  This brings home the urgency to give them a head start in life by providing basic education.

On a personal level, I was the recipient of the generosity of the Myanmarese people. The fisherman offered his largest prawns to me as I was watching him sort out his catch. The girl in the ferry gave me her packet of sunflower seeds. The man in the shop was only too happy to empty his bottle of coconut nectar candy for me when I commented on its delicate aroma. Seeing the spontaneity of the simple common people in their giving, one needs little imagination to picture how the children, being given a chance in schooling, can give back to their community and mankind at large.  Thank you for investing in the children and their future.

Lana Wong, Executive Director