Children enjoying school at the SOS nursery in Monaragala,…

Children enjoying school at the SOS nursery in Monaragala, Sri Lanka.

Since 2004, 26 December has been closely linked in people's minds to the word 'tsunami'. It is estimated that in eleven countries 230,000 people, thousands of whom were children, died on this day. This date will also remain especially memorable to SOS Children's Villages. After they had recovered from the initial shock, our colleagues at SOS Children's Villages did everything within their power to help.

The circumstances over the first days, weeks and months were particularly exceptional. What our colleagues managed to do on the ground, sometimes in the most difficult of conditions, cannot be overestimated. Within three years, they have made a vital progress towards the fulfilment of the promise we made our donors: that we would provide comprehensive, specific support tailored to people's needs. Our objective is to secure the future of children and their families.

By the end of 2007, almost all projects that are part of the largest emergency relief and reconstruction programmes ever launched by SOS Children's Villages will have been put into practice with great commitment, high standards and consideration of local circumstances.

I think that one of our strengths is that we are established on the ground and can assess what is feasible and will help people in the long-term.

This direct and long-lasting relationship is one of our commitments to our partners: our many donors, sponsors, towns, communities, schools, private initiatives, governments and businesses. It is only with their support that we can take action!

We would like to express our gratitude to all those who made our joint contribution to the post-tsunami relief aid possible and who despite the difficulties faced did not give up hope for a new beginning.