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JCI Operation Hope to Aid Recovery in Pakistan
Pakistan recently suffered its deadliest floods in decades. Torrential rains overwhelmed government efforts to provide aid, ripped out bridges, roads and villages and cost more than 1,600 people their lives. An estimated 980,484 homes were destroyed or seriously damaged by the flood, affecting more than 15.4 million people. Pakistani officials estimate the flooding has set back the country’s development by decades, according to CNN.
JCI Pakistan is coordinating recovery efforts with local and national governments and has established three relief camps throughout the affected areas, offering clean drinking water, food and clothing to displaced residents. JCI will work with JCI Pakistan to develop projects that will contribute to rebuilding the nation after the disaster. Through JCI Operation Hope, JCI Members can reach across the globe and donate funds to sustain the ongoing recovery of the nation.
JCI Operation Hope in Haiti
Haiti recently suffered a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake, causing catastrophic destruction. Many residents were displaced from their homes and families and the nation has been left in a state of emergency. A string of powerful aftershocks has only worsened the chaos currently gripping the impoverished country. While there is no exact number of casualties yet, tens of thousands of lives are expected to be lost.
JCI is coordinating aid with both the United Nations and members of JCI Dominican Republic. Through JCI Operation Hope, JCI Members can reach across the globe to expand this recovery initiative by committing to providing resources for sustainable recovery in Haiti.
Background
In December of 2004, deeply affected by the tsunamis in Southeast Asia, countless JCI members all over the world expressed their desire to help the victims. To promote and coordinate relief efforts worldwide, 2005 JCI President Kevin Cullinane approved JCI Operation Hope, which was officially launched January 1, 2005.
"JCI Operation Hope is our first effort in years to involve our JCI community towards such a large project and make things happen with our hands rather than through the hands of someone else," said Secretary General Edson A. Kodama. "JCI is thus carrying out its mission – 'to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change.'"
During 2005, JCI members in countries affected by the tsunamis received assistance from JCI members from many other countries, as well as from other contributors, such as Dr. Dato Tan Hian Tsin. Those donations were effectively used to assist tsunami victims, primarily children. In Sri Lanka, for example, fishermen who had lost their boats received boats, and children who had lost their school were provided with a new, modernized school.
In January 2006, the JCI Board of Directors considered the success of JCI Operation Hope in 2005 and the need to assist other areas of the world that were facing disasters. JCI President Lars Hajslund asked Board members to discuss a new policy regarding JCI Operation Hope. SG Edson Kodama observed that the numerous tragedies in 2005 demonstrated that it was necessary to create a permanent JCI fund to assist victims.
Thus, the 2006 JCI Board of Directors approved the new “Policy 18-14, JCI Operation Hope," as proposed by General Legal Counsel Graham Hanlon, which reads as follows:
POLICY 18-14. JCI OPERATION HOPE:
“A permanent fund made up of donations from members and non-members shall be maintained to assist, through JCI members, the victims of natural or other disasters. The fund shall be administered by the Executive Committee."
JCI Executive Vice President Shoji Okuhara, appointed JCI Operation Hope Taskforce Chairman at the 2005 World Congress in Vienna, reported on activities conducted to provide relief and focused on plans for the future. For example, he said JCI Japan members would continue assisting abandoned orphans on the Island of Nias, Indonesia. He added that he was planning to go to Pakistan, where earthquakes had caused extensive damage, to see how JCI could help.
In 2008, JCI members in various areas of the world are facing serious challenges and are requesting assistance from their fellow members in other countries.
Contribute to JCI Operation Hope
Members are encouraged to donate to JCI Operation Hope. Their donations will be used to help JCI members in affected areas conduct relief operations. The JCI Executive Committee will ensure that donated funds are effectively invested in the area selected by the donor.
National Organizations receiving funds will be asked to report on the projects they conduct. These projects will not only assist the affected communities, but will also provide leadership training opportunities to our members and contribute to JCI's public relations efforts.
Assist people in need as directly as possible. Do it through your fellow JCI members in affected areas; do it through JCI Operation Hope.
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