FROM THE FIELD
Save the Children has been focusing on emergency initiatives over the past week, supporting provision of water and sanitation facilities, as well as providing water, sanitation and general logistical support. While these are vital in the initial phase to prevent disease, another important phase is just beginning. Child safe spaces are being established, supported by trained education and child protection specialists to provide a safe and stable environment that promotes resilience and coping mechanisms following a disaster. This importance was demonstrated following the tsunami in Aceh and has been further developed and implemented with a key focus on psychosocial programs with safe play areas, trauma counseling and educational activities.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]