A NORTHSIDE woman has returned home after spending six weeks over the Christmas and new year period working with Concern Worldwide in the Philippines.
Clare Ahern, from Bayside, was distributing emergency relief items including plastic sheeting and tool kits to help people rebuild their homes after the devastating Typhoon Haiyan that struck the country on December 8.
Based on the island of Panay, she was also responsible for writing up case studies, which meant talking to people and hearing their stories.
“I filed these back to our web team and to the people in Concern who send out information to donors,
? Clare told Northside People.
“While Concern is an independent aid agency, we coordinate with other agencies through UN cluster groups and we also work in association with local authorities and Government agencies in the country.
“I joined Concern in 2010 and this was my first time to see at first-hand the work Concern does on the ground. I have no hesitation at all in saying that I was really greatly impressed.
“I was so happy to see the assistance we are giving is being put to the best possible use. I have no doubt that the positive outlook of the people and their determination will help them on their road to recovery.
?
Over 2,700 out of an estimated 3,000 boats were damaged or destroyed by the typhoon, which meant most of the fishermen in the area were left without a livelihood.
As a result, families have been relying on food aid.
“Concern, in association with the local municipalities, is providing materials for the repair of the boats,
? Clare said.
“It is also supplying funding for new boats and fishing nets.
“We work together with local suppliers and give vouchers to the fishermen and their families so that they can buy the materials they need to get them back fishing.
“We are also fixing water pipes and repairing water sources that were damaged.
?
Clare said the local people were traumatised by Haiyan.
“They are well used to typhoons but never one quite like this,
? she stated.
“They were terrified. They saw the waves coming and ran for their lives.
“Gilbert Bantolinao is a 34-year-old fisherman, who was so upset by what happened that he does not want to go back fishing.
“He also works as a tricycle driver so at least he has potential for some earnings, once the local economy picks up.
?
Clare studied politics and sociology at UCD. After her degree she did some travelling that included visits to Kenya and Tanzania.
“It was my first time exposed to such poverty and it certainly played a role in my going back to UCD to do a Masters in Development Studies,
? she added.
Clare is now back at Concern’s Dublin offices where she is working in the Public Affairs department.