Natural disasters occur frequently around the world, but they often have the most lasting effect on developing countries. Storms and earthquakes break down existing infrastructure like roads and bridges, water and sanitation systems, phone and power lines, hospitals, schools and other necessities. In the aftermath, communities have little funding to rebuild. In some countries, including Indonesia, the next typhoon or tsunami may strike before its population can regroup from the previous disaster.
ChildFund works with communities, families and children in the wake of natural disasters, building Child-Centered Spaces, which provide children safe and supportive environments and the care they need while their parents and caregivers gather clean water, building materials and food. After disasters, children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, malaria, injuries and exploitation. Child-Centered Spaces give children a place to play, study, talk about their experiences and, above all, stay safe from harm.
Indonesia has a particularly difficult history with natural disasters, including the December 2004 tsunami caused by a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean. An estimated 167,799 people were killed in Indonesia, mainly in Aceh Province, and half a million houses were destroyed. In Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka, ChildFund responded by opening Child-Centered Spaces, distributing supplies and helping communities organize for survival and recovery. We also have trained thousands of teens, young adults and children in disaster risk reduction activities, as well as what they can do to help stay safe during an emergency.
In the wake of a natural disaster, our goal is to ensure the health and well-being of children in the area and help them cope with the psychosocial effects of having lived through a frightening experience.