Islam Visits Tsunami Victims In Banda Aceh

Singer/songwriter Yusuf Islam visited tsunami survivors at tent camps in Indonesia's stricken Banda Aceh province earlier today (31JAN05).

The British-born star, formerly known as CAT STEVENS, announced plans to open a branch of his charity SMALL KINDNESS in Aceh to help the orphans of December's (26DEC04) fatal wave.

In the town of Lamno, Islam gave money to children and asked them what they needed most. Through a translator, the kids pleaded for "schools".

Islam laments, "You can see in some of the faces of the children that they're very confused and traumatised. I don't think it'll be easy for them without receiving good support to rebuild their lives again."

Islam is releasing his new song INDIAN OCEAN, featuring Indian composer AR RAHMAN, former A-Ha heart-throb MAGNE FURUHOLMEN and Travis drummer NEIL PRIMROSE, next month (FEB05) with proceeds going to countries affected by the tsunami.