Smiles Return as World Vision Launches First Child-Friendly Space

World Vision launched its first Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) as part of the Typhoon Haiyan response at Tabugon in northern Cebu on November 20th. At least 400 children took part in play and activities in a tent set up at the local elementary school which was badly damaged by the storm.

Child-Friendly Spaces are opened in disaster-affected areas to provide a safe environment for children to learn, play, and cope with emotional distress.

Arlo Ramos, child health and nutrition specialist, helped to establish the CFS in Tabugon. Arlo normally works in Mindanao, in the southern Philippines, and has worked with children in the aftermath of several disasters. “We trained their own teachers in the Child-Friendly Space module and worked alongside them. These teachers will be able to carry on the work to help the children recover.”

Photos by Jon Warren/World Vision