Roger visits UNICEF's tsunami recovery programmes in Cuddalore, India
December 22, 2006
©UNICEF
Video Transcript
Two years after the tsunami, and for tennis ace, Roger Federer, it is still an event that evokes vivid memories.
Roger Federer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador:
“I don’t think I have a day when I don’t think of it really, because it’s something that’s stuck with me so hard. Because
it was such a devastation, so many people got killed and so many lives were changed forever.”
Accompanied by his girlfriend, the Goodwill Ambassador came to Tamil Nadu, the hardest hit state of India, to see for
himself the reconstruction efforts.
Schools which have been built back better with new equipment and improved teaching methods.
Roger Federer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador:
“I’m just saying that the kids are well taken care of, and I’m very happy to be here and I wish them all the best.”
And psychosocial activities such as puppet shows to help young minds recover.
Roger Federer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador:
“My impressions are very good, the kids seem very happy, even though they are still under shock in a way. Because
many don’t realize they’ve lost parents, and that’s probably the hardest thing.”
At a local orphanage, meeting with the youngest resident, Abhinaya, who was just six months old when the tsunami
struck, taking the life of her mother.
Waiting her turn to meet him, 17-year-old Vimala told us she was inspired by Roger’s visit, wishing she could achieve
something with her life.
With the reconstruction effort, she has every reason to be hopeful.
Thomas George, UNICEF State Representative, Tamil Nadu:
“In the last two years, a lot of work has been done in the tsunami build back better programme, and a lot more needs
to be done and Roger’s visit will be a great motivating factor for the people in the field and also for the children.”
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