Earthquake Relief for Children in Shelters

Clara Luna developed a way to continue providing children's programs in the affected areas with its mobile libraries. Throughout our work in the shelters, we were able to identify key community members who would be able to lead the mobile libraries. Because there is no physical space to work, working with key community leaders was essential. These people would then be responsible for holding children's activities and free reading time for the kids in their community, while Clara Luna could not be present. For example, this person would bring books and materials to the park every Tuesday at 4pm to work with a group of children. 

In February, we had all the details finalized of the project and held a two day training for the community members who would be in charge of our mobile libraries or what we call "Cuentos en la Plaza". Members from six communities of the affected areas from the earthquake participated in the workshop where they learned better techniques to work with children, how children cope with trauma (the earthquake), why reading and art is important for children, the how to's of "cuentos en la plaza", and how to evaluate the project and it's success. At the completion of the training each community member received a donation from Clara Luna of 106 books and some materials for the crafts. Now, these leaders are working in their communities weekly with the children affected by the earthquake.