World Vision Child Friendly Spaces
bring joy back to children

"I wish my village could be restored to what it was like before, and we would never encounter such tragedy again," said Xiao-Lin, a fifth grader who participated in a "write your wish and prayer" activity at the Child Friendly Space in Dawu Township of Taitung County shortly after Typhoon Morkaot devastated Taiwan.

At Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) in affected areas across Taiwan, a variety of fun activities were coordinated for children such as singing, fun games, storytelling, drawing and movies. The facilitators also included spiritual and psychosocial elements in the activities to help children express their emotions.

World Vision CFS's are designed to provide a safe place where children can play and engage in structured activities as their parents or caretakers concentrate on recovery work after large-scale disasters. The first CFS was set up next to a temporary shelter four days after the typhoon.

In the CFS of Taoyuan Township, Kaohsiung County, signs of distress could be easily seen on the face of sixth-grader Xiao-Hui. She told the staff that she was wondering if she could see her friends again, which made her feel sad.

To complement the CFS's, World Vision dispatched a mobile library to alleviate stress for affected children living in remote areas. The vehicle was purchased with a gift of NT$900,000 donated by Zhong brothers in the name of their deceased parents and equipped with books donated by the public or procured by World Vision.

In Neimen Township, Kaohsiung County, the mobile library was a hit among the children with the cartoon character Ha Ha Bear painted on the side of the truck and equipped with over 500 colorful books and drawing supplies.

The children quickly engaged themselves in painting, while others read storybooks aloud. They enjoyed a worry-free and happy afternoon under the supervision of volunteer "aunties."

When the mobile library was about to leave later the day, the children eagerly asked World Vision staff, "There are many more books I want to read. Are you coming tomorrow?"

As schools have re-opened, CFS's will convert to after-school holistic development programs for children.

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