I have chosen to investigate
the East Asia and Pacific region, more specifically the Philippines. I chose
this region because this is where my husband’ family was born and raised. My
husband is actually the only one here in America out of his family. When I can,
I choose this area so that I can learn about life there and then tell my
children. We believe that our children should know all they can about where it
is part of their heritage and culture comes from.
The challenges that the
children in this region are confronting right now are from the effects of
Typhoon Haiyan. This has been devastating for the entire country, the children
now are dealing with more than just not enough food and water; a majority are
homeless. Schools have been demolished as well as just about every other
building in their towns and villages. People are cramped together in some of
the structures that have survived, but they cannot stay for long. Clothing is
another issue for people; many just have what they are wearing. So many
children and families lost everything during this storm. Children have seen
death and destruction and are trying to cope as best they can. They have not
been to school since the storm, mostly because they have no schools to attend
at the moment. The government, along with UNICEF, has started making tent
schools which they hope to have up and running fully in January. However, the
students lost all their school supplies along with their other personal
belongings during the storm so this is now another issue for children to worry
about. Because of the storm, the government is also concerned about the health
of the children. They are holding a vaccination drive to help and they are
including Vitamin A to improve immunity against infection.
These experiences will stay
with the children in this region for life. The effect on the children’s
emotional wellbeing and development may vary; however, all children will in one
way or another be affected. Children in this area have seen death first hand.
They have experienced loss in several ways; loss of life, loss of homes, loss
of security, and loss of belongings. This may cause children to become insecure
and withdrawn. Children are also dealing with health issues with the aftermath
of the storm which will also affect their development. Children who are not
healthy will have problems learning.
Personally, this has been heart
breaking. My husband has not been able to find his cousins and it is stressful
thinking about “what if”. I have realized how lucky we are to be here but I
pray for the families daily. I think about the problems that I face with my
families and the obstacles that they need to overcome and I realize that they
are minimal compared to the devastation that the children and families of the
Philippines are dealing with because of the storm. We are blessed to have the
resources and help available and I will continue to reach out to my families so
that they can help their children become successful.
UNICEF (n.d.). Information
by country and programme. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/
Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteTo see the aftermath and devastation of Typhoon Haiyan is heart-wrenching. I sincerely pray that your husband’s family is well. I agree that the effects on the children’s well-being will vary depending upon the child’s individual abilities and personalities and the support they receive from their families and others. “The roots of a child’s ability to cope and thrive, regardless of circumstance, lie in that child’s having had at a least a small, safe place (an apartment, a room, a lap) in which, in the companionship of a loving person, that a child could discover that he or she was lovable and capable of loving in return” (Rice & Groves, 2005, p. 19). That is my prayer that these children can find that safe haven where they are loved—heartbreaking.
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteTyphoon Haiyan caused so much devastation. It is still hard to believe. There are three teachers from the Philippines at my school who still have family members that live there. One teacher discovered that 17 of her family members perished in the typhoon. We have been collecting donations to help her be able to go home during the winter break, and have already sent over monetary donations to help supply necessities for children and families. I continue to pray for each child's resilience and that they and their families will receive the help they need so that they can live happy and healthy lives.
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI also read about this region. My heart goes out to the children who lost their families during this tragedy. I was happy to read about UNICEF stepping in to help these young victims. I truly hope that the children will be able to get the help they need to put their lives back together. Until reading this information this week, I really did take for granted what the children of a tragedy go through. I hope you're husband's family members are safe. Thanks for sharing.