Three years on from the devastating tsunami, thousands of Maldivians have taken significant steps along the road to recovery, thanks in part to Red Cross Red Crescent recovery efforts. They are smiling again and some of their smiles are captured in the powerful photos displayed at an exhibition on the capital island of Male'.
The more than 40 photographs on display are testimony to the change that Red Cross Red Crescent recovery efforts have brought to the lives of many tsunami-affected people, explains Per Jensnaes, Head of the International Federation’s delegation in the Maldives.
“As we have moved into the next phase of recovery, the theme of our photographic exhibition ‘Rebuilding lives - faces of hope in the Maldives’ highlights the new opportunities and hope that many Maldivians have now,” he said.
The exhibition also demonstrates how coming together for humanity has made a big difference. Visitors and residents of Male’ alike can see how the generosity of donors, near and far, has contributed to rebuilding lives.
On the back wall of the main exhibition hall, five photos from an earlier Red Cross Red Crescent exhibition have been hung to remind people how far communities have come over the last three years. One picture shows a man, consumed with grief, standing in front of a destroyed wall of what used to be his home.
In contrast, the new pictures, at the front of the hall, tell a story of hope. “The people in those five pictures (on the back wall) are very sad but the children here are so full of life,” said Derrick, a British tourist visiting the Maldives, as he admired the images during the official opening ceremony.
Welcoming guests to the exhibition the country manager of American Red Cross’ psychosocial support programme, Dr Satyabrata Dash, said:
“Photos in this exhibition stand as a silent reminder of massive efforts and commitment. The Red Cross Red Crescent brought in financial and technical support but it is the people of this country who have contributed the most in making changes in their communities that we see today.”
The exhibition – at the Male’/ Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal – was opened on 26 December 2007 by Honourable Mohamed Saeed, the Maldives minister for transport and communication. It is open to the public every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.
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Niyaasha Mohamed and Hussain Shimhad playing on the beach in Madifushi. Niyaasha’s father is a member of a fish processing group funded by the Red Cross. The group has bought a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) to help re-build their income after the tsunami. (p17044)
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| The opening ceremony: The Maldivian minister for transport and communication, Honourable Mohamed Saeed, admires some of the photos on display. (p17045) |
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| Look at this! A visitor to the exhibition is drawn to the images on display. Red Cross Red Crescent efforts have helped communities across the Maldives to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. (p17047) |
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