Tsunami Rehabilitation

Almost seven years on from the devastating Tsunami in December 2004, Y Care International continues the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase of its Tsunami response programme in Sri Lanka. 

After initial relief and rebuilding work following the disaster, emphasis shifted to long-term projects designed to regenerate communities and enable individuals to regain their livelihoods.

Children at a disaster preparedness workshop in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

How we are helping
Y Care International is supporting the YMCA of Sri Lanka to offer vocational training, legal aid and disaster preparedness workshops to affected communities. In Matara, in southern Sri Lanka, a vocational training centre was built. It opened in September 2007 and continues to support disadvantaged young people from a wide area to learn the skills they need to earn a living.

The Tsunami left many people vulnerable to exploitation and abuse and many people lost documentation showing that their land belongs to them. This project, through centres based in local YMCAs and Sri Lanka YMCA, provides legal advice and intervention and is helping to protect people's livelihoods.

A child at Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, learns about disaster preparedness

In 2010, Y Care International ran various disaster preparedness workshops across Sri Lanka, including one for children in Batticoloa, so that communities feel able to reduce their own vulnerability to natural disasters - building their homes and communities to be as safe as possible, learning how to recognise the warnings signs and knowing how to respond in order to save lives.

The impact of the Boxing Day Tsunami was enormous, and the rebuilding process is a long one. Y Care International - with the help of our supporters - is proud to be able to support disaster-affected communities in the long-term.