Monday 15 March, 2010

In Dichato, Chile, a region badly devastated by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake on 27 February, World Vision has opened a Child Friendly Space, where children can enjoy activities that allow them to return to a sense of normalcy following the disaster.

Child Friendly Spaces are areas set up in tents, schools, and other structures where children can enjoy activities such as arts, crafts, music and drama. The activities provide them with structure and safety while their parents and families begin the enormous task of rebuilding. There are opportunities for the children to share their experiences with peers and trained child friendly space staff to begin emotional healing after their experiences.

“At night I dream only bad things,” said 10-year-old Matias. “Sometimes I see that the earth is opening and we all fall in a hole. Many bad things.”

Paz Romina Castillo Aviles, a fourth grade teacher from Dichato, says that many children don’t understand what’s happened.

“They’ve lost their homes and their parents are facing a lot of stress because of what they are living through right now,” she said.

Aviles is now leading activities at the Child Friendly Space in Dichato. World Vision provided materials, space and training, while trained community members like Aviles provide the professional support.

“Even though you see them laughing and smiling, they are dealing with the distress of what it means to have lost their homes,” said Aviles. “What kids need most right now is fun activities to keep them busy.”

“This is significant because it helps them forget what they have gone through. They have fun and they begin to feel that this is normal - a new normal,” she said.

Each Child Friendly Space accommodates about 100 children. There are more than 1,000 children up to the age of 18 living in Dichato.

World Vision has been working in Chile for some 30 years and has more than 100 staff on the ground before the quake hit, many who live and work in areas close to the quake epicentre.