By John Patrick
YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia - Ten months after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake devastated vast areas of Indonesia and displaced thousands, Operation Blessing's relief efforts continue through the construction of two new health centers and an elementary school in Yogyakarta, Central Java.
The first health center, constructed by OBI and Northwest Medical Teams International, was dedicated in December followed by the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the school and second health center built with German partners, Humedica and "Sign of Hope."
The full-service health centers seek to aid locals who remain unable to afford medical care since the May 2006 quake, which left more than 6,000 people dead and tens of thousands injured and homeless.
The elementary school, which was also destroyed in the earthquake, is now benefiting some 88 schoolchildren and their teachers.
"All our reconstruction projects, including the school and health center, are now complete," said Non Rawung, director for OB Indonesia. "We will continue looking for future candidates for projects."
Both facilities are operating in conjunction with OBI's ongoing medical missions in Yogyakarta.
"We continue to perform our daily medical outreaches with two mobile medical teams," Rawung said. "We also have 18 microenterprise projects that are ongoing and producing good results for the beneficiaries."
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Operation Blessing staff in Yogyakarta distributed more than 300 home building units - a kit containing enough tools to assist five families in rebuilding their homes.
Additionally, during the first week of the disaster, medical relief teams provided care to more than 2,000 Indonesians, as well as distributed thousands of blankets, tarps and 11,000 bags containing food and emergency aid.
How You Can Help
Be a part of OBI's ongoing disaster relief efforts by making an online donation today.
With your support, OBI can continue to bring emergency food, water and medical care to these earthquake victims and more who are caught in the midst of disaster.