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Children of the tsunami play again
By World Vision International on 18 Jan 2005
For some time, World Vision Sri Lanka has undertaken long term development projects in a coastal region known as Negombo, located on the northern outskirts of Colombo.
Even before the tsunami wreaked havoc in this area, many fishing families were marginalised and struggling with social isolation due to their poverty.
When the tsunami hit this region on 26th December 2004, around 350 of the already poorest of families were directly affected - losing their homes, belongings and livelihoods.
As part of World Vision’s relief response to these families, the team is working in collaboration with a local church and training centre called the Don Boscoe Centre to make life a little easier and enjoyable for the children.
In the grounds of this church and school, families have finally set up tents for temporary shelter. For the first two weeks following the tsunami, most had been living together in the church itself.
One of the biggest needs was finding a space for children, where they could safely get back to old routines and play again.
World Vision was asked to contribute to a children's activity centre, which was set up in the church and organised with local volunteers. After an initial assessment of the area, Child Protection Officers Carol Toms and Luke Bearup were delighted to be able to deliver some boxes of toys and educational materials to the children. Toys included dolls, balls, pencils and crayons, notebooks and other books.
The centre is helping children like eight-year-old Kanadude find a place where they can recover from the disaster. Since it struck, he has said few words, but with care from the volunteers at the centre, he is now beginning to say a few words.
World Vision will continue to assist this centre with children’s activities, and provide a tent so the children have a sheltered area in which to play. Providing these ‘child friendly spaces’ is one way World Vision is working to help children come to terms with what has been a devastating event.
Report from - Alison Schafer - WV Communications
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