Global citizenship and the tsunami in Indonesia

Felicia, Sheetal & Chloe
Marymount Convent School
Singapore

An enormous earthquake occurred soon after midnight on Sunday 26 December 2004. Measuring at more than 9.0 on the Richter scale, its epicentre was located off the west coast of northern Sumatra. This was the fourth largest earthquake in the world since 1900. More than 100,000 people were affected or killed in the disaster that followed.

The earthquake triggered a massive displacement of water. Shortly after the earthquake, massive tsunamis reached the coastal villages and cities in northern Indonesia. Tsunamis also devastated areas in at least six other countries.

International aid was immediately sent to Indonesia. Medicine, water supplies, clothing, shelter and workers were sent to Banda Aceh, the area most severely affected. In this region alone, millions of people were displaced and most of the infrastructure was destroyed.

As global citizens, and more so, as neighbours of Indonesia, we have our part to play in helping the victims of this disaster. What can we, as 10 year olds, do? To start with, the simplest thing we can do is to donate to the relief fund. We cannot ignore the power of the humble 10 cent coin. Imagine if every child in our country between the ages of seven and 10 were to donate a coin, we would probably be able to raise at least S$100,000. This would certainly be a considerable feat for children. This would show our compassion as a nation of people, who not only 'talk the talk but walk the walk'.

Beyond that, it would also reflect our understanding of the global climate – that the world is getting smaller and we are getting more interdependent. Any crisis that affects one country will certainly affect others around it.

As the old saying goes: 'Do unto others what you want done to yourself'. This was true in the past and even more so now. We, the global citizens of the world, recognise the need to co-exist as we grow more and more dependent on each other. The world simply cannot afford an inward-looking or a 'who cares?' attitude any more.

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