Success Stories from Our Members in the field

Renewing a Tsunami Devastated Fishing Industry, American Refugee Committee and American Jewish World Service

Not far from the popular tourist resorts of southern Thailand, thousands of people live in simple villages, making their living through fishing, farming and selling small crafts. The tsunami devastated these small communities, destroying most of the fishing boats and leaving survivors unable to return to work.

While working to provide medical supplies, trauma counseling, and clean water to the people of southern Thailand in the days after the tsunami, the American Refugee Committee realized one critical need was being overlooked: providing for the livelihood of survivors who had lost their fishing boats and were unable to support themselves.

In response, ARC launched The Fishing Boat Project to replace 100 fishing boats in 13 coastal villages in Thailand. The boats are being bought from local boat builders, who will also benefit from the economic activity. Without this kind of assistance, it is unlikely that the fishermen would be able to rebuild their livelihoods.

Another InterAction member is also working to bring this critical industry back to life in India. American Jewish World Service is working with a local organization to help 2,000 villagers on the coast of Tamil Nadu, India, regain their livelihoods. They lost everything, so AJWS and Dasra are repairing damaged fishing nets and boats, supplying new nets and engines or even boats for those who need them in order to fish again.

AJWS and Dasra are working with local corporations to ensure that the materials are supplied at cost. They are also meeting regularly with the fishermen’s cooperatives to ensure that the repair and acquisition of fishing equipment meets the needs of all the community members equally.

Small Boats Destroyed in Southern Thailand

Village
Hat Ban Bane: 100 boats
Taleh Nok: 60 boats
Ban Sai Khao Moo: 70 boats
Haat Prapat: 90 boats
Nam Khem: 300 boats
Kaw Khao Island: 100 boats

Chart: American Refugee Committee