Six days after Typhoon Washi brought massive floods in Northern Mindanao in the Philippines, World Vision launched its first Child Friendly Space (CFS) in the evacuation area in Cagayan de Oro City.

The CFS will give children who experienced distress from the disaster an opportunity to play, interact with other children, and be listened to. “This is very timely because Christmas is approaching. We want to give joy and hope to these children,” Dr Yvonne Duque, World Vision child wellbeing manager, explained while the children were singing Christmas songs behind her.

One of the child survivors, 11-year-old Richard, shared his fears and told his story through drawings. “I fear flooding because it took away our house including my school stuff,” he said. Together with the other children he sang songs, played with toys and blew bubbles.

“Younger children respond more easily because they have built-in awareness. It’s like a see-saw. If they’re in a distressing situation, there’s a major change but if you’re able to reinforce their coping mechanism, they get back on their feet easily,” Dr Duque explained.

Richard felt at ease when World Vision facilitators and volunteers were leading songs. It was comforting for him to talk with other children affected by the flood, and he enjoyed learning new songs and dances. “We were simply having fun,” he said. The CFS provides the children with an environment of safety, structure and continuity amidst the overwhelming experiences of the disaster.

"I was so inspired to be able to bring back the smiles of the children. It is a very touching experience to see their eyes sparkle as they play and blow bubbles after all they have gone through,” said Chalice Avarientos, CFS facilitator. The first day in the CFS ended with the children looking forward to the next few days there. Richard asked the volunteer facilitator, “Kuya (big brother), what time will you be back tomorrow?”

World Vision plans to set up three more Child Friendly Spaces in other evacuation centres in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, as we aim to reach at least 2,000 children. Relief efforts are still underway, as many families lost everything in the floods. World Vision has been providing families with essential supplies and support to help them recover from the disaster.