Beyond the immediate needs, Typhoon Haiyan severely traumatized tens of thousands of children who will, in the coming months, find themselves in evacuation centers throughout Central Philippines. Our books can help them. We want to give away at least 10,000 books to 10,000 child survivors of Haiyan this Christmas, and bring in a team of professionals who will use the books to help them with the trauma of their experience. This will help them move on with a sense of normalcy and hope.
Long term, the children who survived Typhoon Haiyan face significant challenges. The trauma they suffered will linger, and could make it difficult for them to move on with their lives. They need to know that there is something to look forward to, and that they can and will still make something of their lives. They need to know that they can and will feel secure and happy in the days and months ahead. Only then can they move forward - for themselves, for their families, for the country.
Immediately, we will publish and give them books in time for Christmas. For many, this could even be the very first books they get to own. It will help them gain a sense of normalcy in the coming holiday season. More long term, we will bring a team of professionals to help them process and deal with the trauma. Using our books, this team will train adult survivors of the typhoon, to help them deal with the trauma, and also to enable them to help others (esp. children) to deal with the same.
The project will help children to move forward, and eventually empower children to think creatively, learn on their own and strengthen their love of books. These are skills that will stay and help all - even those who drop out of school - to achieve success all through their lives.
