In May, 2008 southern Myanmar was devastated by Cyclone Nargis—the most powerful cyclone to hit Asia since 1991—leaving millions of people short of food, water, shelter, and medicine.
The GFLP began operating in Myanmar in 2002. In 2003 it sponsored its first large alms-giving to the monastic community and initiated the YEN Project; in 2007 it established the Dhamma Wun-tha Kyaung international meditation center in Yangon. Following the 2008 cyclone, LJM immediately set up an international relief center in Myanmar and sprung into action. At the same time, a special bank account was set up in Taiwan and an appeal was made for donations.
On May 8 Master Hsin Tao, leading a team of relief workers, accompanied disaster relief supplies to Myanmar. The GFLP was the first international aid organization allowed into the disaster zone, and afterwards began to help with long-term reconstruction.
A year after the cyclone struck, LJM had already carried out extensive reconstruction work. Moreover, LJM has a policy of providing disaster relief in a way which is sensitive to the local culture and is implementing a number of long-term educational projects in Myanmar, including expansion of the Dayu Nursery program; establishing medical clinics; providing community health training; and constructing elementary school classrooms in remote areas. In bringing these projects to fruition, LJM is working in cooperation with various organizations, including the Taiwan Red Cross; the International Cooperation and Development Fund; National Cheng Kung University Hospital; UNICEF; and the Yangon Universal Compassion Society.
Donations
As of February 20, 2009, donations totaling NT$49,885,613 have been received for the Cyclone Nargis disaster relief work in Myanmar.
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