Fast Lesson
Tsunami in SE Asia is a very fast lesson in International Relations. The Politics of Aid often means that those who have raised the money can’t spend the money; those responsible to delivering the aid have only received pledges; those who need the aid are not getting the aid; and those who are distant from major transportation hubs are likely to never see foreign hands bearing relief.

What we find in the 21st century of social consciousness is the understanding that we SHARE the planet.  We are joined together in many ways.  Natural disasters will come to each land, and our ability or inability to meet those challenges will somehow affect other nations through the UN forums, labor and production to developed countries, trade imbalances, loan repayments to global institutions, and migration of affected peoples.

So, what happens when thousands of foreigners descend upon your shores and bring ideas, methods, materials and cultural practice hitherto unknown?  The upper classes of the society sent to western schools are thoroughly ingrained in national ideology. What happens when the masses get a hold of new ideas?  How to you maintain your values and heritage?

"We, as a global community have gotten better at saving lives, but we have new issues."

“The problem is  - Once we save their lives, and put them into camps, they never leave. We haven’t got a program to get them out…they adjust and then that becomes their life. We now have more people in refugee camps around the world than we can continue to manage. They need to go on with their lives.”

We need each other at all levels.  We need the emergency forces of International Aid.  We need the small-targeted NGO's.  We need the long staying power of organization that can create recovery and rebuilding plans, Yet, even with formal assistance something always slips through the cracks.  Who can help?  Any person.  We each can see a need an respond.

A common person can make a difference
Children Speak: Tsunami exists to show the children's artwork and serve as a conduit to help the children who made the drawings. Funds are directed to provide tuition and educational support. If you would like to help, we welcome your assistance.  

Children Speak: Tsunami is an example of making an difference. You can make a difference for these children.  As an individual you can contribute your resources, skills, or abilities to make the world a better place.  Whether it is helping far away or near at home, you can help to change people's lives.