|TOP|The Church of North India has played its part in the reconstruction of regions devastated by the December 2004 tsunami by building new schools for child survivors of the tragedy.

The first four schools to be built by the church were constructed in the tsunami-hit region of Car Nicobar and were finally inaugurated at the end of last month.

Celina is one of the pupils due to attend one of the schools.

She said: "We are all so happy today, because now we have our own schools, a place of our own."

Sixteen schools in total are being constructed by the church in the Nicobar District on behalf of the Department of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration and in partnership with the Episcopal Relief and Development, USA and the Uniting Church in Australia.|AD|

For many survivors of the tsunami the reconstruction of schools signals a return to normality at last.

One teacher said: "A proper school building means better space for children, and also a safe place. We are indeed happy to get back to normal school life.”

The Rt Rev Raju was on hand to give the inauguration speech. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Church of North India to invest in the long-term development of children in the region.

He stressed the commitment of the church in particular to supporting the wellbeing and continued education of children particularly in disaster situations.

Christians have played a key role in the reconstruction of many tsunami-hit regions.

In April, more than 250,000 people in post-tsunami Sri Lanka were still living in transitional shelters, making housing a priority in the island nation more than one year after the lethal waves hit its shores.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse even praised Lutheran World Relief and the other agencies involved in a housing reconstruction project in the Kallutara district of Sri Lanka for following through on their commitment to help rebuild after the tsunami.