Report on relief and rehabilitation program of Cyclone SIDR victims Program

Organized by The Hunger Project – Bangladesh Financial Support by SPANDAN-B

Report written by Nasima Akhter Joly

Introduction: As part of its post-cyclone rehabilitation program, the Hunger Project of Bangladesh in cooperation with SPANDAN B provided financial assistance and other supportive services to the cyclone SIDR stricken people of Bangladesh. The relief and rehabilitation program aimed to offer Saree, Lungi to the target population. Funds were also made available to rebuild the houses of the SIDR affected people. Local Animators and elected public representatives of the local Government formed the Implementation Committee to distribute money and other services. Moreover, services were distributed in the presence of local animators, UP officials, the Hunger Project staff and the local administrators (UNO, Chairman). The time frame of this project was dated from November, 2007 to March of 2008. Under this project a total of 1500 households were served in 11 Unions which are part of 13 Thanas of 8 different Districts of the Southern part of the country. Each Household received one Saree and one Lungi. Total 32 households received Tk. 8000 to 12000 to rebuild and reconstruct their houses and one School received 25000 Tk for the reconstruction purpose. This decision was made by local people. (Enclosure: Checklist of recipients for the rebuilt of houses, Financial statement and some photographs) Monitoring: At first The Hunger Project staff and volunteers had surveyed the cyclone affected people and their needs. After survey they organized and distributed 1700 Saree and 1400 lungi to the cyclone victims. A Purchasing Committee was responsible to order and purchase the services while the Implementation Committee was responsible to distribute all the materials. To support the immediate need of reconstructing the almost damaged houses of target areas, financial assistance was being provided to support the local demand. The Hunger Project Staff and the local animators were involved from the implementation phase of this project to its various monitoring stages. A short guideline was followed by the field staff and volunteers to the successful implementation of this rehabilitation program. Impacts: • At Individual household level: The individual household was found to be very happy after getting the basic needs of life, saree, lungi for example. More importantly, the extra money to rebuild the cyclone wrecked houses was being received positively by the local community. • At Social level: This rehabilitation program improved the existing relationship among affected people, animators and The Hunger Project staff and its volunteers. At Family Level: By rebuilding their houses, the cyclone victims are now able to house themselves. They are no longer living under the open sky. A new house is giving them a new hope. Mental peace is an important tool to their life. They are now putting efforts to work outdoor and reap economic benefits. Conclusion: The post-cyclone rehabilitation program is indeed a successful one as it adds life to the cyclone SIDR stricken people of Bangladesh. While building their houses again, they are looking forward to a better life with better opportunities. As part of the post-cyclone management activities, the SIDR victims are now able to move on. The immediate and overall assistance of The Hunger Project of Bangladesh and the financial support of SPANDAN B targeted to help the SIDR victims to start over their life.

Check list of Beneficiary

Organized by The Hunger Project- Bangladesh

Financial supported by The Spandan-B

Duration of time: November , 2007- March, 2008