Nissan, World Vision Construct Six Child-Care Centers in India for Children Affected by Tsunami
Chennai, India Friday May 26, 2006 (DriveInside.com)
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., World Vision Japan and Chennai-based World Vision India today announced the completion of six Child Care Centers in India for children affected by the 2004 tsunami.
The project, which was implemented by World Vision, was funded by Nissan with an investment of 10 million yen.
“The tsunami disaster was an unprecedented one, calling for an unprecedented response,” said L.R. Joshi, group executive for World Vision India’s field operations. “Support from Nissan has helped us create a safe and friendly space for children within the community, helping enrich their lives and that of the community.”
Two of the centers are located in Cuddalore district and the other four are located in Nagapatinam district. Two centers in Nagapatinam were handed over to the public schools. The remaining centers in Nagapatinam, as well as the centers in Cuddalore, were handed over to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), an Indian governmental organization.
At the child-care centers, children can enjoy reading picture books and playing with other children in a safe environment. The centers are also staffed with counselors to monitor their mental health.
“We are pleased to have been part of World Vision’s Child-Care Center project in India. We sincerely hope the centers will be able to bring relief to the affected children,” said Masako Fujita, senior manager of Nissan’s Global communications, CSR and IR division. Ms. Yoshie Motohiro, Managing Director, Nissan Motors India Pvt. Limited said, “ the thousands of people who have had to bear the brunt of this natural disaster is really tragic and I sincerely hope that Nissan India will be able to bring back a smile on the faces of the affected children through this initiative.”
Mr. Nobuhiko Katayama, National Director of World Vision Japan said, “As a child-focused organization, World Vision is very much grateful to receive the support from Nissan to serve the needs of children in the challenging situation. I wish we could keep working together, taking advantage of the global scale of our organizations, to build the better future for children.” Nissan and World Vision will continue to work together to provide additional services for the child-care centers in case further support is needed.
More than 27.9 million people in India were affected by the world’s worst natural disaster, which struck the eastern coast of India and other countries on Dec. 26, 2004.