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S'pore Red Cross pledges S$2.5m for Myanmar projects |
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SINGAPORE - The Singapore Red Cross today signed a wide-ranging memorandum of cooperation for six direct-impact projects which are expected to benefit thousands in Myanmar over the next two years.
Valued at S$2.5 million, the projects include enhancing digital connectivity for seamless relief coordination; restarting an emergency ambulance service; rolling out a first aid and safety campaign for community leaders; lending support to an emergency management fund; shelters and student kits for internally displaced people (IDPs); and a series of construction projects.
At the signing ceremony in the Myanmar Red Cross Society office, Mr Tee Tua Ba, Chairman of Singapore Red Cross (SRC) inked the agreement with Dr Tha Hla Shwe, President of Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS).
The occasion was witnessed by Mr Benjamin William Jeyaraj, Secretary General SRC and Mr U Khin Maung Hla, Executive Director MRCS, in the presence of Mr Tadateru Konoe, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Mr Tee said: "The Singapore Red Cross has carefully chosen projects with lasting impact to reflect the spirit of friendship between our countries, and our hope for a better future. It is a new era for Myanmar and we are glad to be able to contribute in a small way. We remain steadfast in our mission to improve the lives of the vulnerable."
Dr Tha said: "This bilateral partnership is different from others as it is the first ever cooperation agreement that provides full ownership to Myanmar Red Cross to address its needs through an organisational development approach to strengthen, empower and sustain its humanitarian services on the ground. I do appreciate Singapore's contribution and the Singapore Red Cross' commitment and support."
To date, the Singapore Red Cross has received about S$12 million in donations for the Myanmar Cyclone Relief Fund, post-Cyclone Nargis in 2008.
The humanitarian organisation has since committed S$7.3 million to the construction of homes, hospitals, schools and an orphanage, in addition to the emergency aid of water purification kits, food, medicine, clothes, shelters and boats.
Whilst continuing to identify more projects to channel the remaining S$2.2 million, the Singapore Red Cross is currently studying the possibility of providing psycho-social support for the IDPs.
Today/Channel NewsAsia
11 July 2012
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