Young people take a lead in Tsunami relief

19 January 2005

The generosity of the British public in giving money to those communities devastated by Boxing Day’s Indian Ocean Tsunami has been phenomenal.

Emergency appeal

We launched our emergency appeal on 27 December, asking the public for money which will go directly to YMCAs in the countries affected by the Tsunami for relief and rehabilitation work.

The response has been overwhelming, with the appeal raising more than £3m through people calling our appeal phone hotline or giving over the counter at building societies. When there is a disaster YMCAs around the globe are able to mobilise quickly and effectively. Because YMCAs are community-based organisations with a support base of local volunteers, they are in an excellent position to identify their communities’ needs.

YMCAs know what’s needed

They are part of the very fabric of their communities, and some have been around for decades. This means they are committed to long-term rehabilitation and development years after other agencies might leave. Indeed, Y Care International’s emergency and relief work often develops into long-term development projects such as vocational training and employment opportunities for out-of-work young people.

This has been key in our response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami. We were already working through local YMCAs in the countries affected by the disaster so we could respond within hours to offer rapid support. And young people have been at the forefront of efforts to rebuild their shattered communities.

Rapid response

In Indonesia, young people from YMCAs have been carrying out emergency evacuation work and distributing relief packages to survivors. In Sri Lanka the national YMCA quickly trained young people as relief worker leaders so they can assist in clearing debris and implementing relief programmes.

Through the YMCA in India, young people have been helping to distribute essential food parcels, clothes and medical aid, with teams of volunteers vacating people from the affected areas and setting up relief camps.

Long-term support

Relief operations are underway and emergency aid is reaching those affected now, but we know that young people working through YMCAs will be there to help for the long-term.