"Victims are sheltered in temples and churches by different organizations. Although World Vision is a Christian organization, we have no problem placing victims in temples of other faiths," Shen said.
In Negombo, a village on the west coast of Sri Lanka, a refuge for 1,800 children run by World Vision Taiwan was completely wiped out by the tsunami.
"The houses were destroyed, but the children were safe," Young said.
Shen said 90 percent of the families in Negombo made their living from fishing, and the tsunami deprived them of their only means of staying alive.
Infrastructure reconstruction, job creation and helping people get their lives back on track require long-haul planning and committed volunteers.
So far, World Vision Taiwan has recruited 42 volunteers who will be leaving for Sri Lanka on Jan. 15 to assist with reconstruction efforts.
All 42 will stay for at least a month, as it is a long-term relief assistance program.
"We selected these volunteers carefully. They are not people who have been momentarily touched by the tragedy, but people who are deeply committed to getting the job done under rather difficult circumstances," said Kuo Hsiu-ling (
In addition to Sri Lanka, World Vision Taiwan has also been providing aid workers to Indonesia and India.
According to World Vision Taiwan's assessment, Thailand has the best chance of recovering by itself, and the aid group has consequently focused on helping Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India.
World Vision Taiwan is the only aid agency present on the island of Pulau Nias in Indonesia. It is contemplating the establishment of a Taiwanese relief assistance village on the island.
As of yesterday, World Vision Taiwan has collected NT$45,585,147 in cash donations.
At the agency's office, stacks of postal money-transfer receipts have yet to be processed; phones are ringing off the hook and volunteers patiently answer eager donors' questions. People also stop by the agency to drop off their donations.
Although the need in disaster-hit countries is dire and workers are few, the people of Taiwan, through their generous financial donations, have touched the victims in South Asia with their love.
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