JDC TO HELP OPEN FIRST OF 85 MODERN PLAYGROUNDS IN TSUNAMI-RAVAGED SRI LANKA

Partners with USAID, Bush-Clinton Tsunami Foundation and Sarvodaya to make playground project a reality

Playground ceremony will happen on one-year anniversary of tsunami

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee today announced that it will participate in an opening ceremony on December 26 at 4:00 p.m. for the first of 85 state-of-the-art playgrounds it is helping to construct in tsunami-affected parts of Sri Lanka. December 26 is the one-year anniversary of the tragic tsunami which wiped out homes on the coasts of four countries, destroyed livelihoods and claimed tens of thousands of lives.

JDC is working on this project in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bush-Clinton Tsunami Fund and Sri Lankan NGO Sarvodaya. The playground project is designed to provide children, traumatized by the loss they suffered, with valuable space and opportunity for psychological recovery through play. It was initiated when JDC approached USAID to discuss pressing needs among the tsunami-affected population in Sri Lanka. The playground that will soon open is located in the Municipality of Galle. It is one of four "signature" playgrounds, meaning it is one of the four largest in size and composition.

All of the playgrounds are being built to meet American and European safety standards. Local materials and vendors are supplying the materials and labor where possible.

"It is extremely meaningful that we can be part of this happy occasion on the anniversary of one of history's worst natural disasters," said Judy Amit, JDC's Chief Operating Officer for worldwide programs and one of the principle initiators of the playground project. "One year ago after the tsunami waters receded, the people of Galle were left in an ocean of heartbreak and despair, which I saw firsthand. Now we are seeing hope, and these playgrounds will be the source of smiles and laughter for years to come."

Since the tsunami, JDC has raised more than $18.5 million. It has supported projects of immediate relief, short-term aid and long-term rebuilding throughout Thailand, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka. In addition to USAID, Bush-Clinton Tsunami Foundation and Sarvodaya, some of the partners that JDC has engaged JDC include:

International Rescue Committee (IRC). JDC is working with IRC to address the material and psychosocial needs of children and families in Indonesia; rebuild the devastated healthcare system; and generate long-term income for people through the creation of new jobs.

Dwiyuna Jaya Foundation . JDC is helping this local NGO refurbish a camp for displaced persons outside of Banda Aceh and establish a permanent residential community. This project includes a model housing village, a 50-boat fishing cooperative (including refrigeration equipment) for 500 members, a mosque, a water purification plant, deep water drilling, street paving, emergency and construction vehicles and $20,000 (USD) in small business grants.

UNICEF . JDC has built a medical clinic and 15 playgrounds in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Disaster Mitigation Institute (DMI). JDC is working with DMI to provide shelter and re-establish livelihoods in India. JDC has helped construct 500 shelters in Tamil Nadu. It has also awarded grants that have employed more than 1,200 people for at least 100 days while the government completes its employment revitalization plan.

Meenakshi Mission Hospital. JDC is working with the hospital on distributing more than $300,000 worth of pharmaceuticals through mobile clinics in Tamil Nadu.

Brit Olam/Topaz. JDC is working with this Israeli NGO to deploy Israeli medical and health professionals to India as volunteers. They will work side-by-side with professionals from Meenakshi Mission in villages along the Pondicherry Coast.

Caritas/Catholic Relief. JDC is working with Caritas to deliver food, kitchen utensils and school supplies to thousands of families in Kerala, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu.

Population and Community Development Association (PDA). In cooperation with the Israeli Embassy, JDC is working with PDA to establish ten "healing camps" for 500 children directly affected by the tsunami that feature hiking, swimming and classes focusing on subjects such as the dangers of drug use. Participants in this camp will participate in follow-up activities following their one-week session and will be equipped to return to their communities as peer leaders in revitalization efforts.