Philippines Disaster Relief Update

As previously reported, in November 2013, the Philippines was hit hard by Typhoon Haiyan, in which the area near Tacloban was destroyed. The SSIO began offering humanitarian relief to the victims within days, and disaster relief efforts have continued up to the present date, including the following services:

Food for the Needy   The SSIO has served hot meals to more than 100,000 people in Tacloban as part of the continuing relief effort. Daily meal service, including hot lunches for school children and adults, continues even today. Sathya Sai volunteers prepare the food at the “Sai Home” and distribute meals from a mobile van, in three communities. Once the children learn that the food has arrived, they come running from their make-shift dwellings and temporary shelters, and line up to receive the food, along with the adults. The happy recipients express gratitude with big smiles and glowing faces full of love and goodwill.

School Construction and SSEHV Workshop  The SSIO completed re-construction on the San Isidro Elementary School in Palo, Leyte, and an inauguration ceremony took place on 20^th January 2015. Three classrooms, an auditorium, and other school facilities were rebuilt. Much-needed school supplies and equipment were provided, including computers, furniture, blackboards, and school bags for children, making the children happy and joyful.

In April 2015, a three-day teacher training workshop was organised in an elementary school in Tacloban by the SSIO and the school principal. Representatives and teachers from six local elementary schools, serving 8,000 students, attended the programme. The meeting focused on ways to incorporate human values in the regular course curricula. Teachers were motivated by the SSEHV ideals and expressed a desire for follow-up workshops.

Sri Sathya Sai Maternity Center and Medical Clinic  The SSIO completed construction of the Sri Sathya Sai Maternity Center and Medical Clinic in San Jose, Dulag. The establishment was inaugurated on 20^th January 2015 by Dr. Narendranath Reddy, Chairman, Prasanthi Council; Dr. V.K. Ravindran, Chairman, SSIO Zone 4; and the Mayor of San Jose. Mothers, who had been forced to give birth on the streets, can now receive medical attention in sterile facilities, along with infant care.