Nearly 18 months after the devastating tsunami that hit Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to provide humanitarian relief.
David and Delores Zaugg arrived in Thailand in March 2005 to work with the Ministry of Education to teach English to primary English teachers and to offer humanitarian relief to Khao Lak, a village in Phangnga.
A recent Bangkok Post article highlighted some of the Zauggs' humanitarian work in the village. Working with the local boatyard, they helped build fishing boats, allowing fishermen to return to their profession so that they may provide for their families.
Due to the generous donations of Church members, the Church has been able to work with local governments to provide long-term relief in the tsunami-hit areas. Some of the humanitarian projects include:
- Livelihood restoration for fishermen, farmers, weavers and home-based industries.
- Improvements to healthcare and child care through operating-room reconstruction and the provision of medical equipment, trauma counseling training and other support.
- Reconstruction of homes, medical facilities, schools, mosques and community centers.
The Zauggs are typical of thousands of couples devoting their time to humanitarian service around the world.