May 11, 2005. In partnership with USAID and the American Jewish Distribution Committee, Sarvodaya will develop 100 playgrounds in all 13 tsunami-affected districts in Sri Lanka. After the tsunami, the loss of community infrastructure has deprived children of safe and protected places to play. Child psychologists have demonstrated that the opportunity to play is a significant factor in the recovery of mental well-being for children traumatized by the disaster. This project will restore access to safe and quality places to play for children living in coastal Sri Lanka, thereby promoting their physical and emotional recovery and growth.
In addition to constructing the playgrounds, this project will establish partnership agreements with district-level authorities and NGOs to maintain the playgrounds. The project will also utilize the highest quality playground equipment that meets or surpasses international standards of safety and quality. Today, a visiting group from the two partner organizations visited Sarvodaya’s metal workshop, which could potentially build the equipment for the playgrounds. Sarvodaya’s metal workshop provides training and employment to underprivileged youth.
Sarvodaya is excited to work with USAID and AJDC on this important and innovative project that we hope will bring much joy to thousands of children in tsunami-affected regions.
Hi. I’m wondering if I can fundraise money for your organization- under your name. I’m planning on coming to Sri Lanka in June- the 15th and would like to bring this money directly from the people here who would like to give money to Sri Lankan children and then take the money we raise directly to the children there and buy whatever they need- cricket sticks/balls, kites, balls, art supplies, etc. I’m going to be trying to organize a benefit concert for these children and at the same time while in Sri Lanka my traveling companion and I are going to go to different towns to take pictures of people, print them out and give the photos to the people. So we’re looking for some support because we aren’t an official NGO and we want some legitimacy. Please respond with any help, suggestions or comments. Thank you so much. – Emily Taylor
I am a project advisor for UTDS, a CBO in Unawatuna set up by the local people. The UTDS is the main body in Unawatuna planning and implementing plans to re-develop Unawatuna after Tsunami. Main focus is on environmental aspects, but in the masterplan for Unawatuna designed by Daniel Libeskind, a playground for the children is one of main issues. We are in the proces of getting the masterplan approved by the gouvernment and Tourist Board at this moment. Please visit our website and let us know if you are able to help us with the playground. Approx. 75 children have died in Unawatuna and the primairy school is totally destroyed. On the site where the school was, the gouvernment is building a fibre glass boatyard right now. The children are relocated to an other school. UTDS is paying their bus fares …
As a member of the NRPA Scoping Team for Children’s Play Parks in Sri Lanka I just wanted to remind everyone that the goal is to construct 100 Children’s Parks not Playgrounds. As we learned on our visit to Sri Lanka, the locals identify Playgrounds as a Cricket Pitch or Soccer Field and not the Play Equipment Areas idnetified by Europe and the US as (Playgrounds). We don’t want team sports clubs and communities to misunderstand what the USAID Project has intended. Please be careful with the terminology used to describe the project as we move forward so as not to upset anyone.
Also you mightcheck into how much it would cost to purchase galvinized steel pipe, 2 3/8 inch outside diameter, I think we refer to it in the US as Schedule 40 pipe to construct future swing frames. This kind of pipe is not manufacutred in Sri Lanka and we were told it is made in India. I am sure there are other suppliers in other Asian countries. I will be checking into other fastener hardware required to construct the complete swing set that would help extend the life expectancy of your current swings well beyond what is currently being experienced.
We are doing a data base of all international and national organizations involved in seeking equity in health.
This is for the Global Forum on Health Research (www.globalforumhealth.org)
In two weeks, we will also be compiling a report on research in equity and health.
If you believe that you are an equity-seeking in health organization and /or have done research in equity/health, please send us an email.
Nance Upham
Economist, Consultant GFHR
Member, steering committee: NGO Forum for Health, and P4P (WASP, WHO), chair DEC, PHM.
I AM A VOLUNTEER WHO TAUGHT IN ARUGAM BAY FROM APRIL TO JUNE OF THIS YEAR. I NEED TO BUY PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT ( SWINGS, SLIDES, ROUNDABOUTS, SEE SAWS) FROM COLOMBO. I AM RETURNING IN LATE SEPTEMBER WITH MONEY. THE SCHOOL HAS LAND THAT CAN BE USED AND I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE EQUIPMENT READY TO BE SHIPPED DOWN AND PUT UP WHILE I AM THERE. PLEASE HELP WITH NAMES OF COMPANIES THAT I CAN CONTACT. WE CAN USE WOOD OF PIPES ARE NOT AVAILABLE.
THANKS SO MUCH, VICTORIA WALLOP