Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
World Compassion Network Executive Director Joe Wilkey of Warsaw recently returned from Sri Lanka for a second time.
Wilkey reports WCN is funding the construction of 53 temporary houses, a community building and enough outdoor toilets for a village south of Trincomalee in the northeast of Sri Lanka.
More than 800,000 homes were destroyed by the Dec. 26 tsunami. The tsunami was a result of a 9.0 earthquake that whipped throug the Indian Ocean, devastating 12 Asian countries. The island of Sri Lanka is off the southeast coast of India.
Most survivors live in refugee camps or have returned to their properties and put up makeshift structure.
"Many people have little or no hope of living in anything better than a tin or cardboard shack," Wilkey said. "Some of the funds coming from large organizations are going to the larger cities or being caught up in Sri Lankan governmental bureaucracy."
Wilkey says WCN wants to provide for the needs of the victims and be accountable.
Homes built with WCN funds will house more than 300 people, in a manner close to their previous lifestyle.
"WCN funded this project for $19,000. thanks to the generosity of churches and individuals," Wilkey said.
He talked to many victims and people helping in the country's recovery. The most common request is tools, so citizens can make a living. Many are fishermen, carpenters and seamstresses.
The fishermen formed cooperatives, and, prior to the tsunami, would work together each morning to bring in the catch and divide it. Each man would load his share of fish in a plastic box, attach it to his bicycle and head to the market to sell his catch.
Most of the fishermen lost their bicycles and boxes during the tsunami. WCN plans to replace about 100 bicycles, and purchase tools for carpentery, sewing machines, as well as other equipment so people once again can make a living.
"They want to stop receiving food rations and buy their own. WCN feels this a very productive way to use the additional funds. WCN will provide about $12,000 for this project. There's a real change in the attitude and hope of the people."
For more information, call 574-269-5452, or visit the Internet site: www.w-c-n.org
