Hope And Laughter Came Upon Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka

Hard work for these volunteers certainly did not leave any trace on their faces.

25 October 2005 -- 21 volunteers from the Singapore Polytechnic Primers participated in a housing construction project initiated by TOUCH Community Services International (TCSI) in the northern-eastern Mullaitivu district of Sri Lanka. Mullativu was already devastated by two decades of civil war. The tsunami last year added to the people's woes. The whole city is completely barren and the people apprehensive of their future.

Madam Darshini, a beneficiary of the housing program, lost all her property and family on that fateful day. It is estimated that over 3,000 people died and 22,500 were displaced in the Mullaitivu district.

All that remains in Mullaitivu town are broken buildings and withered trees.

"I was cooking when my husband and son were outside the house. Without any warning, the huge waves crashed and I was swept away. I called to my husband and son. I did not know what happened. Till today, their bodies have not been found,” said Madam Darshini.

17 year-old Aloysius Sng felt very fortunate that Singapore has not experienced a catastrophe like the tsunami. Irvin Lim, 19, agreed. This trip has made the two youths realised the frailty of life. They were proud that they can be part of a meaningful project - to rebuild lives and give hope to the less fortunate. They will definitely volunteer themselves again in future.

Besides lending their hands to the construction process, the volunteers also took time to organise activities such as games and hand-painting for the local children in a primary school bring much joy ad laughter to the children. They also helped to deliver food packs sponsored by TCSI to a group of poor and needy families who are still unable to sustain their livelihoods till today

TCSI remains committed to helping the victims however challenging the circumstances may be. We know that every small step matters.

Our volunteers at work – though no one knew the mechanics of constructing houses. From the pictures here, we know with unity, determination and joy, anything is possible.