In March, 2005, Global Nomads Group, Asia Society, and Quarters From Kids presented “After the Tsunami: Rebuilding Lives”. This special PULSE videoconferencing program helped students gain a better understanding of the consequences of the Tsunami caused by the December 2004 Earthquake off the coast of Sumatra (Indonesia) and gave them the opportunity to help reconstruction.

Participants received a firsthand account of the destruction caused by the Tsunami in Southeast Asia, learned from their peers in Colombo (Sri Lanka) how the country was coping with the tragedy and discussed with other US schools how they could help with relief efforts.

The program was composed of 3 videoconferencing events. At the end of the broadcasts, individual classes had the option of raising money to help reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka (through the Rebuild Sri Lanka charity).

I. Witnessing Destruction – 50 minutes
Learning firsthand about the effects of the Tsunami – a witness account from videographer Amelia Hanibelsz (read more about Amelia) who was on assignment in Sri Lanka when disaster struck. Amelia talked about what she saw and shared pictures from her experience.
Recommended reading: How did it happen? (Ask Asia website)

II. US to COLOMBO, Live - 60-90 minutes
Students were able to hear firsthand from their peers in Colombo (Sri Lanka) how they experienced the Tsunami and how their country is coping with this tragedy.
Recommended reading: http://www.askasia.org/tsunami/srilankaPRINT.htm

III. What can we do? - 50-60 minutes
Classes were linked with up to 2 other classes in the US to discuss the role that the United States should play in international aid, and ways in which young people can help.
Recommended reading: Generous or Stingy? The United States and International Assistance (PDF)
Recommended activities for raising funds: http://www.askasia.org/tsunami/help.htm