Surviving the Tsunami

The Story of ISB’s Tsunami Relief Organization

A horrible event transpired on the 26th of December, 2004. Originating in the Indian Ocean, a powerful tsunami devastated parts of Asia and Africa, destroying homes and devastating economies. The world was in shock after this tsunami’s freak occurrence (a tsunami like this one only occurs in very rare circumstances). In the aftermath, multiple organizations were formed to combat the problems that had formed through the destruction. ISB started its own organization to help those affected by the Tsunami, the organization being aptly named the Tsunami Relief Network. High School has its own club which is part of the overall network, the club being called the Tsunami Relief Club.

In the beginning, the Tsunami Relief Club’s (TRC) focus was on rebuilding an R-35 school in Khao Lak. Afterwards, TSC became a part of a larger organization: After The Wave (ATW). After The Wave was created by ISB teachers to provide financial support to R-35 students whose families were financially affected by the Tsunami.

Mr. David Sweeney, the teacher who surveys TRC, explains how After The Wave works: “ATW donors sponsor individual students for a year to make sure they get clothes and the basic necessities to continue their education at the R-35 school. ATW pays for doctors and hospitalization for kids that have medical problems and has also started a scholarship program to help ATW kids continue their education when they graduate from R-35.”

Currently, the Tsunami Relief Club primarily raises money through exchanges, which they host annually. Ann Parnitudom, Tsunami Relief Club’s Secretary, had this to say about the exchanges: “There are two throughout the year. The first is held on October 30th to November 1st, where a group of approximately 20 students come to ISB and do some activities with us. We have some team bonding games, trick-or-treating, a day out together (this year we'll be going to Dream World), etc. Before this exchange, the tsunami relief club will be hosting our Tsunami week, where we’ll be having bake sales and selling t-shirts to fundraise for the club. In January, there's another exchange where we, a small group of ISB students go down to visit the school. This event takes place on a weekend, and we go down there to interact with the entire school, by playing multiple games that require team bonding efforts. In the past, we've been fundraising to buy necessities that the school lacks, as well as, paying for a young girl, R's hand operation. For the future, we are still unsure, as the cases may vary, but scholarships for graduated students are still highly under consideration.”

The Tsunami Relief Club also makes money through fundraisers, such as organizing bake sales and selling Tsunami Relief t-shirts. An upcoming event for Tsunami relief is on November 3, at 7 PM. At this time there will be a charity flute concert performed by students from Thailand’s leading university, Chulalongkorn University, and some of our own students at ISB. The tickets for the concert will be 300 baht.

Though the Tsunami happened more than four years ago, many people are still hurt physically, mentally and financially by it. The Tsunami Relief club understands this and will never stop working to better the lives of Tsunami victims. Tsunami Relief’s Vice President; Joe Kaewbaidhoon, shares his view on this topic and the club in general: “In my opinion, I think this club is one that is very beneficial for the people who need it most. It is one of those sincere clubs that really wants to help these children in the long run. I believe that the prospects of the Tsunami Relief Club remain positive, partly because we have a strong support from the faculty.”

Joe continues by leaving us with some inspirational words, “I believe the challenge that our club will face in the future is passion. How will we continue to instill passion into the minds of future Tsunami Relief members? It should be noted that in a few years, the officers that will replace me are the ones that were too young to vividly remember the devastation that came with the Tsunami. Hundreds of thousands of lives swept away in a few minutes. I still remember it well...”

By Michael Perry (International School Bangkok)