ReliefWeb

More tents as learning spaces desperately needed to continue education, restore sense of normalcy among children in quake-devastated Bohol, says Save the Children

(31 October 2013, Manila, Philippines) Days before the scheduled resumption of classes in quake-hit Bohol, more than 900 tents are still needed to replace thousands of classrooms destroyed by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake of Oct 15. However, less than 10% of the tents required are currently available to The Department of Education. The number of tents was confirmed after considering shifting class schedules and use of public spaces as learning areas.

Following the devastating quake, classes in Bohol and other worst-hit areas have been suspended for more than two weeks now, disrupting classes for over 1 million school-aged children. Authorities are still assessing the safety of school structures and facilities, which may extend beyond resumption of classes this November.

Save the Children has been providing relief in the aftermath of the earthquake, setting up much-needed tents as temporary learning spaces and conducting learning sessions for children in some of the worst-hit municipalities in Bohol. School and teaching materials will also be distributed to children and teachers who have lost their belongings in the quake.

“These children have been through a distressing ordeal for the last two weeks, with countless aftershocks rocking the area after the first initial jolt,” said Ned Olney, Deputy Country Director for Save the Children in the Philippines. “From our experience, we know that resuming classes is essential to restoring a sense of normalcy among children and to providing psychosocial support they need to cope with the distress caused by the disaster. Through schools, we can teach children how to prepare for any other significant aftershocks.” Initial government reports reveal that close to 300,000 students and 15,000 teachers and school personnel require psychosocial first aid to help them cope with the disaster.

Save the Children continues to respond to the disaster in coordination with government and aid agencies on the ground, providing families with tent materials, cooking utensils, toiletries and other essential household items. The children's organization aims to reach 8,000 families including 30,000 children in our relief work.

“Children are the most vulnerable in any disaster, and the impact of this disaster on their families’ livelihoods will have consequences on their education and nutrition,” said Ned Olney. “These immediate measures to resume school for children will ensure that they are protected and allow parents and families to focus on recovery.”

Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 and has a long experience responding to emergencies in the Philippines. The organization is currently responding to the aftermath of the Southwest monsoon floods, Typhoon Utor, Typhoon Bopha and the Zamboanga conflict.

For interviews with Ned Olney, please contact April Sumaylo at april.sumaylo@savethechildren.org or +63 (0) 9057487684.