Launch of Pfizer and World Vision’s Rehabilitation Project for Tsunami Affected Communities

Pfizer and World Vision India (WVI) have jointly launched an Economic Rehabilitation Project to help tsunami-affected communities regain their economic independence.

(PRWEB) November 27, 2005 -- Pfizer and World Vision India (WVI) have jointly launched an Economic Rehabilitation Project to help tsunami-affected communities regain their economic independence. Pfizer has provided WVI with a grant of Rs. 1 crore to disburse to small-scale entrepreneurs who had lost their livelihoods. The project will help them rebuild their lives and provide a better future for their children.

Pfizer has provided funds of Rs. 1 crore to WVI to make available as Micro-Finance Development loans to those affected by the Tsunami in Tamil Nadu. The program aims to benefit 1000 economically-disadvantaged persons and their families, across 8 villages. World Vision India will implement this project through its micro-finance arm, IMPACT (Innovative Microfinance for Poverty Alleviation and Community Transformation).

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Kewal Handa, Managing Director, Pfizer India, said, “We are delighted that our partnership with World Vision has expanded WVI’s ability to provide much needed economic assistance to people impacted by the tragic tsunami”.

World Vision India, a relief and development agency with more than 50 years of grass roots experience, responded within the first few hours of the tsunami striking Asia. After meeting immediate rescue and relief needs, WVI turned its attention to the long term rehabilitation of the area, including the building of almost 6000 homes in the tsunami-affected regions of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In the words of Dr. Jayakumar Christian, National Director, World Vision India, “Rather than move away after the relief and reconstruction phase, World Vision India plans to stay on for the long term with the people who have survived the tsunami and help them rebuild their lives”.

Tamil Nadu’s coastal regions were worst affected by the Tsunami that struck Asia on December 26, 2004. Apart from the fisherfolk, many of the inhabitants were self-employed and made their living running small shops or operating pull-carts on the beaches. These small and medium scale entrepreneurs lost their livelihood, either by losing the entire infrastructure or their supply of goods for sale. The Rehabilitation Project aims to provide them with working capital, by way of modest loans, to re-establish their self made businesses.

The program will be focus primarily on the areas of Vailankanni, Nagapattinam town (including people living in six tsunami temporary shelters), Arukattuthurai and Tranqubar in the district of Nagapattinam.

When the tsunami hit Asia, Pfizer mobilized the company’s resources and skills to aid rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts. Pfizer donated $60 million in cash and health products to relief organisations operating in the region. Across Asia, Pfizer colleagues contributed their skills in medical, engineering, environmental and supply chain management to health officials, relief organizations, the UN, UNICEF and the WHO.

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