Rebuilding After the Tsunami in Samoa
15 March 2010 at 16:17 Nate 5 comments
Early one morning last September, a 15ft wall of water devastated the islands of Samoa killing 187 people and causing hundreds of millions of dollars of damage. Nearly 6 months later, the people of Samoa still need your help in rebuilding their economy and their lives.
Samoa’s 2nd smallest island, Manono is perhaps the last place in the world you would want to be during a Tsunami. The island’s 900 residents live directly on the coast in wall-less homes that provide little protection from an angry sea.
The people rely almost exclusively on fishing for food and money. The tsunami swept away their boats and fishing nets and destroyed the reef that protects their fish. Nearly 6 months after the tragedy, the island still cannot afford to rebuild its only school or replace its fishing equipment.
You can help! With loans from Kiva lenders around the world, nearly 50 women on Manono have already borrowed money to buy boats, fishing nets or plant vegetables.
Click here to Sponsor a loan today and help a woman to reestablish her livelihood!
Nate Walsh is a Kiva Fellow based in Apia Samoa. He is currently volunteering with the South Pacific Business Development Foundation.
Entry filed under: KF10 (Kiva Fellows 10th Class). Tags: Kiva, Kiva Fellow, manono, microfinance, Samoa, Tsunami, www.kiva.org.
1. Colette | 17 March 2010 at 14:13
How many students are there? How much does the water taxi cost per school year? How will they get the funds to rebuild?
2. Brennan | 17 March 2010 at 04:38
I’m glad to hear about the impact that Kiva has had on their lives. Though I am wondering how can we help to expedite the process of rebuilding the school and what is preventing this from occuring?
3. Nate | 17 March 2010 at 12:53
Hi Everyone- so for right now, the kids are taking a water taxi to the main island for school (about 20 minutes each way). Getting the materials and skilled labor out to the island is a significant expense, the UNDP estimates at least 100k USD. The water taxi is expensive, but at least the kids can go to school. I really appreciate your concern, I’ll post an update as progress continues!
4. Colette | 16 March 2010 at 07:46
What is holding up rebuilding the school? What are the families doing right now so that their children don’t lose a year or more of time for education?
5. katimayfield | 15 March 2010 at 19:55
can’t wait to read (and see) more about how Samoans are using their SPBDF loans to rebuild!