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MANILA, Philippines – Sun, 9, was one of the 1 million students affected when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) ravaged the Visayas. Two months after the devastation, on January 6, she returned to Dulag Central School in Tacloban City to continue her studies.
“I am so happy to come back to school today – I get to see all my teachers and classmates again. I know my future will be ok if I can continue with my education,” Sun said.
Sun was welcomed by Save the Children, an international non-governmental organization working on improving children’s welfare in 120 countries. The organization’s back to school program is a major step in their post-Yolanda recovery plan. (Read: Yolanda damaged 90% of school infra in Tacloban – Luistro)
Save the Children country director Ned Olney said going back to learning after experiencing such tragedy is crucial for children’s well-being.
“Save the Children will continue to work around the clock to distribute essential teaching and learning materials and support schools to provide a quality education to children,” he added.
Various efforts
The organization set up temporary learning spaces in an attempt to restore a sense of normalcy in Yolanda-affected areas. Save the Children also conducted training for teachers on how to help children deal with trauma and grief.
In Dulag Central School, a welcome back ceremony was held in partnership with the Department of Education for 400 students. Stationaries were also given to students from San Rafael School, Leyte. (Read: DepEd to private sector: Adopt schools in Yolanda areas)
Principal Rowena Vical of San Jose School, which is also a recipient of support from Save the Children, noted the importance of education in fighting poverty.
“Many of the families here are poor but education is the one thing we can share with our children. If children are educated, they can stand on their own two feet and have a future,” Vical added.
San Jose School resumed classes on January 6.
Save the Children has been working in the Philippines for over 30 years. Their teams have done various recovery and rehabilitation work in some of the worst typhoon affected areas of the country. – Rappler.com
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