Sri Lanka

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Good Neighbors works
in 27 countries

	GN Sri Lanka
	On December 26th, 2004, a tidal wave driven by an earthquake killed more than 40,000 people and generated one million sufferers in Sri Lanka.
	Good Neighbors joined the world in recognizing the dire need of the people in this region. We sent out the first relief team consisting of Korean medical and administration workers to Marata city on December 30th. Since then, we have sent out a total of 12 relief teams and created a Child Emotional Healing Program, meal services, medical care, and the distribution of relief commodities.




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	Here's what we're up to in Sri Lanka:
	Emergency Relief
	Medical Care

	Medical teams were deployed to the damaged villages or Paramula, Miritheo, Madiheo, and Polhena. We administered medical treatment to 2,655 patients through 15 mobile clinics.
	Distribution of Relief Commodities

	We focused on supplying relief commodities to Polhena and Paramula in Marata City, and did so on four separate occasions. Good Neighbors provided school uniforms and necessities to 1,100 students. We also distributed farming tools, disinfectants, and water hoses which were needed for the reconstruction of housing for 270 households. Korea additionally sponsored clothes, underwear, and blankets.
	Meal Service
	We provided lunch and dinner to 4,300 Polhena residents for 23 days from January 13, 2005 through February 4, 2005. Most of the suffering were not able to eat as they left refugee camps and went to the damaged districts during the day to rebuild the community. Therefore, Good Neighbors worked to provide sustenance while reconstruction was underway.
	Prevention of Epidemics
	Good Neighbors took preventative measures against epidemics around the coastal areas, villages, and schools of Marata City where the remains of collapsed buildings were spots where diseases can generate easily.
	Child Emotional Healing Program
	We screened films (local language children movies, Mr. Bin, Tom and Jerry, etc.) to give hope and courage the 3,000 residents and children who were panicked after losing families and livelihoods from the tsunami. After screenings, Good Neighbors operated an arts and crafts program for the children.
	Child Development
	Matara Child Education Center

	After four months of emergency relief projects in Matara, it was apparent the desperate need for child care. Good Neighbors established the Child Education Center as a long-term project. We provide after-school programs, meals, physical education, and hobby classes to 225 children. To community teenagers, we provide computer and English classes. In addition, Good Neighbors promotes child-raising education, lectures on human rights, and legal advice to 225 parents of beneficiary children. KOICA joined as a sponsor for this project in March of 2006.
	Ambalangoda Child Education Center

	The poverty stricken coastal city of Ambalangoda, 40 km to the north of Matara, is one of the most damaged areas from the tsunami in Sri Lanka. Many children in the community either do not have access to education, or are not receiving a proper education. Therefore, we provide after-school education to 225 children while providing meals and medical care. For community high-school students, we provide comprehensive computer and English classes to assist in employment upon graduation.