Save the Children was among the first organizations to provide assistance following the devastating tsunami on December 26, 2004. This disastrous event left a lasting mark on Thailand, claiming thousands of lives and displacing countless families. In the immediate aftermath, the organization established safe spaces for children, restored learning through temporary schools, and offered psychological support to affected children.

Among the aid team was Warangkana Muthumol, who started as a volunteer 20 years ago and has since become one of the organization's leaders, still dedicated to working for children today.

Warangkana Muthumol, Strategy, Program Quality & Impact Director at Save the Children, began her journey with the organization as a volunteer after the tsunami. She recounts her experiences from that time "I started working in the affected areas six months after the tsunami. What I saw was that children were still afraid of the sea, afraid to leave their homes, and parents asked us to help find ways to make their children happy again. So, we helped heal and restore children's confidence through art, music, and drama activities."

Twenty years later, Warangkana remains dedicated in Save the Children's mission. She states, "Save the Children has shown me that every child has potential, and we play a crucial role in helping them discover their inner strength. Helping children is not just about short-term solutions, it's about building a better future for them in the long run."

Beyond its efforts in Thailand, Save the Children also played a vital role in other severely affected countries, such as Indonesia. The organization rescued 7-year-old Martunis after he survived 21 days in a mangrove forest. His story became an inspiration, embodying the resilience of children and underscoring the importance of aid during a crisis like the tsunami. In Sri Lanka and India, Save the Children collaborated with schools and communities to restore learning environments and establish disaster preparedness systems for the future.

Key lessons learned from working in Thailand and other affected countries highlight the necessity of building partnerships with local organizations, which prove more effective and sustainable than short-term relief efforts.

Guillaume Rachou, Country Director for Save the Children, stated, "Our work during the tsunami was not just about emergency relief; it was about building a strong foundation to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow and learn. We will continue our work to ensure no child is left behind."

Twenty years on, Save the Children continues its mission to protect children's rights and build a brighter future for children and youth. For more information on Save the Children's work and how to support us, please visit savethechildren.or.th