Help Families Recover from Typhoon Haiyan

Thanks to your generous donations we were recently able to complete a series of ten first aid workshops for families affected by typhoon Haiyan.

These workshops, which we introduced in our last project report, were each two days long and taught participants how to assess and handle a wide range of first aid scenarios, from medical emergencies to basic wound care.

Through these workshops a total of almost 450 people learned the skills they’ll need to help their families and friends in the future.

Each of the workshops was held in a different community (or Barangay) of the city of Tacloban. Many were held in the poorer Barangays along the city’s coastline, which often receive less help than those downtown.  Because residents of these communities receive less help, providing them with these skills was doubly important.

Although attendance fluctuated a little from day to day we were delighted that overall consistency was good.  Many of those who returned on the second day also overcame their initial shyness and asked more and more questions.  This showed us that they were taking on the information and really thinking about it overnight.

We were also delighted that many Barangay officials, as well as ordinary residents, attended our courses.  These officials live in the community and are responsible for its welfare on a day-today basis, so their involvement was critical to ensuring that the lessons provided will take root.

As the workshops neared completion we also ensured that participants would have the tools they need to use their new skills.  We did this by providing each Barangay with a first aid kit containing dozens of items like bandages, gauze, antiseptic, burn creams and much more.  

Each kit also contains multiple first-aid manuals summarising the skills learnt during the workshops.  These manuals are in English and also translated into the local dialect of Waray-Waray to make sure everyone can access the knowledge inside.

None of this would have been possible without your previous donations.  So, once again, thanks so much for all you’ve given.  

There’s still so much to be done to help families recover from typhoon Haiyan, but happily GlobalGiving are here to help.

On November 8th, while funds last, GlobalGiving will be matching donations to this project by 100%.  This is a great opportunity for you to double your impact.  So please, consider donating on November 8th and also sharing this opportunity with others.

As always, if you ever have any queries about how we’re using your donations, please don’t hesitate to email Emma@IDVolunteers.org. I would be delighted to hear from you.