Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, we are left with awe at the hope that dominates the hearts of the affected families, who have overcome the waves of trauma and despair.

The results of Caritas' response are clearly visible to the world, since they are monitored by our local and global partners. 76,864 children speak up for the support that they have received through educational kits, activity centres and trauma care, germinating new seeds of hope and life in their tender hearts. The entire seascape of the fishing communities has changed as they have been provided 1,109 new boats, 1,001 boat engines, 1,737 boats repaired and 34,549 fishing nets. This, together with appropriate gadgets and community-based support has enabled the fisher folk to plunge into the seas and catch fish in abundance. 7,974 people have undergone vocational training in order to venture into new alternatives in the livelihood sector and more people are in the process of being trained.

At the level of rural communities, 1,854 new self-help groups have also been formed to initiate local self-governance in the areas of livelihood, permanent housing as well as psycho-social care. Out of the proposed 17,360 houses for the Tsunami homeless, nearly, 2,000 families would be st able to move into new homes by the 1anniversary of the Tsunami.

Further, an inter-disciplinary team undertook an integrated evaluation study, the findings of which have brought out new learnings, which we intend to incorporate in
the ongoing implementation. The future lies really in linking relief and rehabilitation efforts with the long-term development programme of the communities. The vision of community-based disaster preparedness, henceforth would take prime importance and the road-map for this has already been set.

As we arrive at the 1 anniversary of the Tsunami, we are greatly inspired and motivated by the resilience and hope of the grassroot communities. Caritas network is immensely proud of the results of its outreach and assistance. We place on record our appreciation to the Network Partners for their unconditional support and to all those who have contributed generously.

As the new year approaches, we resolve to move ahead with enhanced dedication to rebuild lives and reconstruct a new social order, in which the hearts of the affected people resonate the joyful chorus 'Gloria in excelsis Deo !'