UPLIFTING QUAKE SURVIVORS & NEEDY STUDENTS
UPLIFTING QUAKE SURVIVORS & NEEDY STUDENTS
As the official arm of overseas humanitarian aid in the Archdiocese of Singapore, Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) has responded to numerous disasters and humanitarian situations on behalf of the Catholic community in Singapore over the past months. Some examples shown in the video are covered below.
Earthquake Relief in Turkey and Syria
On February 6, 2023, earthquakes of magnitudes 7.9 and 7.6 struck the Pazarcık and Elbistan districts in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, claiming over 50,000 lives, injuring 107,000, and displacing 3 million people. Public infrastructure was severely damaged, hindering recovery.
CHARIS supported Caritas Turkey and Caritas Syria with S$435,000 for Turkey-Syria Earthquake Relief, emphasising ongoing recovery efforts. This funding contributed to improved shelter, sanitation, and essential food and cash assistance, aiding the affected population in rebuilding their lives.
Food Aid for Children in Vietnam
In Vietnam, a S$13,500 was disbursed to provide food aid for needy school students studying at Pho Cap Phuong 25 School in the Binh Thanh District of Ho Chi Minh city. The school has taken in 156 students from grade 1 to 5, many of whom are from impoverished, abusive or immigrant families. This has provided them with a life path for a better future with basic education, safety, security and necessary household support.
Safeguarding Women and Children in Sri Lanka
S$12,000 disbursed to Caritas SED Galle addressed water scarcity in Sri Lanka's Galle, Matara, and Hambantota, securing the Right to Drinking Water for Matara Urumutta village and students. Water Filtration Units in six locations resolved shortages, improved health knowledge, and created a safe environment for women and children in the Diocese of Galle, Sri Lanka.