Burma Cyclone
Cyclone Nargis has devastated Burma, killing tens of
thousands of people with millions more without food,
shelter or clean water. The Burmese Government
doesn’t like other countries getting involved in its
business so it has been difficult getting aid in to
where it’s needed.
Focus Questions
1]
2]
3]
4]
5]
6]
7]
8]
9]
10]
What is the name of the cyclone that has devastated Burma?
Where is Burma located?
Why was the cyclone particularly devastating?
Even if people survive the cyclone, they are faced with other challenges. What are
some of these challenges?
What is the first thing your body needs to survive? Why is it a huge problem for
people in Burma?
What are aid agencies?
How does the way the Burmese Government operates affect international aid
getting into the country?
What impact do the delays of aid have on Burmese people?
How has the Australian Government responded to the situation?
What do you think needs to happen next?
What is aid?
Student’s will be exploring what international aid is and developing a profile of an
international aid agency. Begin with a class brainstorm to establish what students
know about aid and aid agencies.
Students choose an aid agency such as Oxfam, Save the Children Fund, Red Cross
or World Vision. Ask them to research the following information:
Use the agencies official website (website links at the end of this activity sheet) to find
the vision/mission statement. List the key words from this statement.
Draw the agencies logo and describe its meaning.
Summarise what the organisation is doing for the Burma (Myanmar) cyclone relief.
How does the organisation provide/distribute relief for those in need?
Ask students to present their profile of the aid agency to the class using one of the
following formats:
© ABC 2008
EPISODE 11
13TH MAY 2008
Learning Area
Society and
Environment
Key learning
Students will
develop an
understanding of
the issues facing
Burma at the
moment and how
international aid
agencies operate

Powerpoint presentation

Video

Written or oral report
Further investigations
Think of ways your class or school can help Burmese people affected by the cyclone.
Search online for information about location, physical features, the Government and
economic situation in Burma.
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Thousands killed in Burma cyclone
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/06/2236190.htm
ABC News - UN ready to send help to Burma
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/05/2235364.htm
ABC News – Australia pledges $3m for Burma
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/07/2237524.htm
World Food Program official website
http://www.wfp.org/english/
Children’s BBC website – information about cyclone in Burma
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7390000/newsid_7394600/7394684.st
m
Red Cross official website
http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_aroundtheworld_emergencyrelief_Myanm
arCycloneNargis.htm
Oxfam official website
http://www.oxfam.org.au/about/
Save the Children fund official website
http://www.savethechildren.org.au/index.html
World Vision official website
http://www.worldvision.com.au/index.asp
© ABC 2008