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| GAHF in Peru | ||
| On August 15th, at 6:40pm, a 7.9 on the richter scale earthquake struck off the southwest coast of Lima,near the town of Pisco. The damage caused by this quake was so strong, that it has only left about 75% of the houses standing in Pisc and Ica. Also affected were the towns of Chincha and Canete. Orphans International Peru staff, Yuri Guanilo and Luis Suarez, headed down to the town of Chincha to assess the damage and see what possible help we can provide. Along with us we brought some medicines, antibiotics, first aid supplies and water, as well as some canned goods to distribute aong the victims. On our arrival in Chincha, the birthplace of Afro Peruvian culture, we encountered a devastated city whose infrastructure was badly damaged. The roads leading into the city, were heavily cracked and in some places, entirely unusable. Electricity and water were shut down, leaving the people in darkness and without a water supply. Many of the houses and businesses were falling down, and even a day later, aftershocks were being felt throughout the night. We headed straight to the San Jose Hospital only to find the entance collapsed. Since the power was out throughout the city, they were running on generators, which only supplied enough power for basic triage and first aid. Half of the hospital was still in the dark. We scouted around the city, speaking to many residents, most of whose homes were totally destroyed or unihabitable. The people faced the cold winter nights on the streets, afraid to return to their homes, as strong aftershocks were being felt throughout the night. "We need blankets, tents, food, water and medicine. The nights are getting colder and it is starting to rain and we are afraid that the children and elderly will get sick. We cannot return to our homes because of the damage and we are afraid that the walls will collapse on us if we do" said Salamira from Chincha. Dr. Trujillo, from the San Jose Hospital also mentioned that they "are in need of antibiotics, sutures, blod pressure medicine,alcohol…everything. We are running out supplies fast". Orphans Internationa Peru, along with the other partner organizations such as the United Nations Union, are raising funds and collecting donations to bring to those that re in most need. If you would like to participate in this endeavor, please contact Yuri Guanilo at yuri@oiww.org or Rosa Suarez at rosa@oiww.org for more information. |
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| GAHF in Jamiaca | ||
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| GAHF in Ghana, West Africa. | ||
 In collaboration with Africa Aid, the Give a Hug Foundation is sending 15 computers to Buduburam Liberian Refugee Camp in Ghana, to help establish a technology resource center and library for the refugee community. In addition, as part of Give a Hug's Solar for Africa program, in collaboration with DSH Solar Electric, Give a Hug will also send solar panels and batteries to the camp in order to run the resource center.Buduburam refugee camp was established in 1990 to host Liberian refugees who came to Ghana to seek asylum in an attempt to escape the armed conflict in Liberia. Presently the refugee population in the camp is at approximately 52,000 people, and has overflowed to nearby villages. Life is a daily struggle in Buduburam Refugee Camp, where the basic necessities such as water, food, education, and healthcare, are very difficult to obtain. The general standard of living is below the poverty line. |
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| GAHF in Thailand | ||
 The Give a Hug Foundation is currently providing financial assistance to a preschool for Burmese children, located in Mae Sot, Thailand. The preschool was established in February 2004. Currently, there are 40 children attending the preschool. The majority of the children are Burmese orphans and children of Burmese refugees and migrant workers.The program at the school includes instruction in reading, writing, singing, dancing and other recreational activities. The teachers in the school hold monthly meetings to discuss how to best nurture the students mental and physical development. It is hoped that with continued support, the preschool will be able to expand it's programs, and be able to accept more children for enrollment |
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For More info: Call us at 619-230-1190 or email us at gahf@worldbeatcenter.org
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On a 2005 visit to Jamaica, World Beat Center Executive Director Makeda Cheatom had the opportunity to visit the Our Lady of Hope Children's Home in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She was deeply touched by her interaction with the children at the home. Upon her arrival at the home, Makeda was welcomed by children of all ages. She greeted each child with a warm smile and a big hug.