Disaster Response Philippines Project #15644

World Vision Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Response

by World Vision

Project Report | Nov 26, 2013
After Haiyan, a place where kids can be kids

By John Warren | World Vision Writer & Photographer

World Vision launched its first Child-Friendly Spaces for Typhoon Haiyan survivors Nov. 20 in Tabugon, northern Cebu. At least 400 children played and took part in activities in tent spaces set up on the grounds of the Somosa Elementary School, which was badly damaged by the storm that hit the central Philippines Nov. 8. Teachers from Somosa Elementary School greeted their students at the Child-Friendly Space. World Vision trained the teachers to help students cope with the typhoon’s aftermath.

“Some children have literally nothing left but the clothes on their back, and they are living in a devastated landscape which was once their home. Everything around them, including their safety network, disappeared when the typhoon hit," said Dr. Yvonne Duque, a health expert for World Vision in the Philippines. “Our immediate priority was to deliver food and water to families, and thousands of people have now received this. Now we need to urgently address children’s emotional needs, as well as ensure they’re protected. This is to provide safe areas to continue to provide some kind of normality amid this chaos.”

Janet Vera Cruz, 33, and Jehan, 3, attend the Child-Friendly Space for women and children held by World Vision. Jehan's birthday was the day of the typhoon. "Not only did World Vision give out food, but they gave us this place (Child-Friendly Space). It's very nice! Lots of kids enjoying it. I'm so thankful. Even though we've been through Yolanda (Typhoon Haiyan), we're starting to recover," Janet says.

In the coming weeks, World Vision intends to set up about 40 Child-Friendly Spaces in the hardest hit communities throughout central Philippines.

Links:

World Vision's opens first of 40 Child-Friendly Spaces

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