Based on site reports made by our team, Akanksha designed a program, "The Giving Sea" to address the grief and trauma that the children were experiencing.

The "Giving Sea" activity book was designed for children affected by the impact of the Tsunami. It is a resource book for teachers, educationists and volunteers to use over one year to with affected children. The book's objectives are:

1. To give accurate information about Tsunamis.
2. To help children cope with feelings of fear and grief.
3. To help children rebuild their lives and their connection to the sea.

Along with the training manuals, each class was given a kit of art and craft material.

"The Giving Sea" project was implemented by training class teachers of schools in Nagapattinam district in partnership with the local NGO, the Suyam Charitable Trust.

Impact

1. More than 65 schools in Nagapattinam were covered (over 20,000 children) through the office of the Collector, Nagapattinam district and the District Education Department.

2. During the summer break, Summer Camps were held in Nagapattinam and Karaikal. More than 400 children participated in these camps. Training given to other NGOs to implement the program in their areas increased reach.


The NGOs we are working with are:
Suyam Charitable Trust
AID India
Satyam Foundation
Suruthi School
Dream a Dream Foundation
Azim Premiji Foundation

3. In June and July 2005, a comprehensive survey covering the students and teachers of the schools were the program was conducted. Based on the report, it was found that the while the colouring books have been well done in majority of the schools, the activities could not be done adequately due to constraints of time and exams.



    Selected Feedback from Children on the Giving Sea Programme
(Translated from Tamil)

 
 



While drawing on the book and teacher explaining the story I was very much afraid and slowly step by step my fear got reduced and happily drawn on the book. S Saranraj

Due to tsunami my father's leg got broken. But I am not afraid of tsunami. I am given lots of note books, text books, stationeries and various materials and I like most one book which is KODUKKUM KADAL (GIVING SEA) and especially when I colour with blue crayon I feel happy and no fear. Padmavathi

 

After tsunami I was very afraid of the sea. After reading Akanksha books, I thought that I should take bath in sea, collect shells and other items. Felt very much happy while I am coloring books.
A. Manimegalai


Now I am not afraid of tsunami. Suppose tsunami strikes again, I act like VELU and save others. I will go to sea to catch fish. K Mukilan - V Std
  My friends are died in tsunami due to that I am afraid of tsunami. While coloring the book memories of friends very often disturbed me. I was happy when I coloured The Small boy and Big Sea book. I will create awareness among my parents and friends. R Satish

Future
1. Akanksha and Suyam will continue the program through NGOs who are working in the temporary shelters across the Nagapattinam district.