CRWRC Part of Celebration in Indonesia
Last Saturday, Isnaeil Ihya Muhammad remembered his loss and began to celebrate with his whole community as he prepares to move into a sturdy new home built in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, by the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Isnaeil is one of thousands of survivors who have benefited since December 26, 2004, from $18 million in donated and government funds received by CRWRC for tsunami response.
Four years ago, as semi-conscious Isnaeil swam through a moving mountain of water to a nearby rooftop, he thought he was still holding his infant son in his arms and the hand of his pregnant wife, Nova, in his own. As Isnaeil clung to the crumbling roof tiles during the second and third tsunami waves, he reached desperately for the hands of a screaming neighbor and his son. Only then did he realize that his own family had already been swept out to sea.
Saturday’s event was held at Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh with presentations from local and federal representatives. Those attending the celebration received additional awards and prizes that were part of a week-long series of events including a contest for “best decorated home,” traditional dances, and other activities.
“Through CRWRC’s exemplary programming, the people of Aceh have risen from their sorrow,” said Irwandi Yusuf, Aceh’s governor. “CRWRC’s positive approach motivates people and communities to be actively involved in all stages of recovery.” The governor added that the whole Acehanese system would “use CRWRC’s participatory approach to community-building as a model to expand on in the future.”
Since December 2004, CRWRC has provided tsunami survivors in Aceh with:
- Temporary shelter for 642 households
- Emergency kits for 5,300 people
- Medical camps to treat 6,500 people
- Income assistance to 17,500 people
- Artesian wells in 15 villages
- Electrical power to 4,400 people in 18 villages
- School access for 2,300 children
- Textbooks and typewriters to schools in four villages
- 1,139 earthquake-resistant permanent homes.
To read the entire story and to learn more how to donate to the work of CRWRC, read the entire story here.
