Chinese Red Cross to build transitional schools in Tacloban Manila, Philippines -- Out of a sense of responsibility for helping in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda, the Chinese Red Cross is building transitional classrooms for thousands of schoolchildren in Tacloban, Leyte, a first for this society which has started to modernize after an earthquake that claimed thousands of lives hit China in 2008. Zhang Ming, Director of the external liaison department of the Chinese Red Cross, said that in 2008, when a strong earthquake hit Sichuan province, where tens of thousands of people died we got a lot of international support. From that time to now, a big change happened in the Chinese Red Cross. We started building up our professional services. Now, we can [help devastated communities] outside China. Responding in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines is our first time to do so. Thats why, when the Chinese Red Cross heard about the impact of typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, the decision was immediately made to send teams to the country---the first humanitarian operation outside of China ever attempted by this Red Cross society. Ms. Ming said that logistics, water sanitation, medical, IT, and psycho-social support teams were sent to Tacloban after an assessment was made a few days after typhoon Yolanda hit. The team camped outside the Tacloban city hall, putting up tents there, and then proceeded to clear debris, conduct medical missions, and even help retrieve more than 50 cadavers, she said. The medical teams treated 3,700 people in Tacloban, including pregnant women. We were welcomed by the people. She added. Ming said that on a helicopter ride to Tacloban with Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon we were very emotional. Chairman Gordon almost cried, he really wanted to do something to help these people. From the air, we saw a lot of houses destroyed. And as you go near the center of the city, we saw its really really bad. She said, however, that I was very impressed by the Filipino people, especially their courage in facing a disaster like this. Children were waving to us, we were really very emotional. Ming said that the the Chinese Red Cross originally wanted to put up at least 500 shelters for the survivors of typhoon Yolanda, but was later prevailed upon by Chairman Gordon to build transitional schools instead, after discovering that there was no land that was readily available for the shelters. Tacloban has 54 schools, including elementary schools, high schools, and colleges. But typhoon Yolanda severely damaged 51 of them, and rendered the rest very much in need of major repairs. Thru the transitional school project of the Chinese Red Cross, about 60 classrooms, with an area of 20 sqm each, will be constructed and can accommodate a total of over 2,600 students who can now go back to their studies. We are not just going to fix the roof of their schools, we are going to build their classrooms. Were happy about this new project. Ming said. But the change in plans from providing shelters to the construction of transitional schools presented the Red Cross with a considerable logistical problem, which needed to be remedied in the soonest possible time so as not to delay the school childrens return to their classes. Fortunately, she said, PRC Chairman Gordon was able to clear the way for the project by making hundreds of phone calls, and working [during the weekend], even though he was already feeling [ a bit under the weather]. It wasnt easy, but he did it. Chairman Gordon is very strong, very brilliant. Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon said that I had to convince them to build schools instead because land was not immediately available. Its important to me that these school children get a chance to go back to their studies, and regain a sense of normalcy, after the devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda. Thats what we are doing now. Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang thanked the Chinese Red Cross for their generosity and support to the affected populations of Eastern Visayas. The transitional schools will help children in Tacloban move forward in life, despite the catastrophe they have just gone through. We appreciate the efforts of the Chinese Red Cross who have partnered with us to implement this project which is sure to make a difference in the lives of children in Tacloban. She said. For her part, Ming said that we have a very good partnership with the Philippine Red Cross. They are very important to us [and the success of this project] She said. Ming said that we totally rely on the Philippine Red Cross. And we support them. We really want to do something to help [the devastated communities in Eastern Visayas]. And that is the foundation of our cooperation. Ming said that the Chinese Red Cross has a large membership, with at least 2 M volunteers, and over 10 M members, who are eager to contribute to a sustained effort in the rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Dec 2013 01:02:13 +0000