De-stressing of children affected by 'Sendong' culminates

After five days of psychosocial intervention for children left upset by typhoon Sendong, the World Vision Philippines culminated yesterday its school-based 'Child Friendly Space' under the theme "It's cool to be back in school."

Child Protection Specialist, Rosalyn E. Lorin said CFS assists children to be ready for school despite the hardships and struggle they had to face in aftermath of the typhoon, which hit the city last month and left thousands of families homeless and grieving.

CFS aims to ensure children's well being by providing responses to the questions they have in mind and allows sharing of experiences, in a way enable the kids to realize that there are also people and structures in the community that cares and support them.

"Through this, children were able to express their feelings and appreciate life. They could still act as a normal child," she added.

During the culmination activities yesterday in both Macasandig and Macanhan Elementary Schools, this city, teachers presented their output during the five day activity with World Vision consisting mostly of art works, prayers and hopes of the children.

Some teachers and students in the higher grade likewise shared their testimonies on the Sendong experience, to give inspiration to the other children.

Meanwhile, World Vision Mindanao Communication Specialist, Crislyn Felicilda also expressed hope for the children's full-recovery.

"We pray for the full-recovery of the children and the World Vision together with the teachers and parents, we wanted to take care of your future," she said. -PIA — ARA