By Channel NewsAsia's Christine Ong | Posted: 13 October 2009 0016 hrs
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Filipino children undergo psycho-social therapy to recover from Ketsana grief
PHILIPPINES: Thousands of Filipinos remain homeless, more than two weeks after Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines.
At a typical drawing class for grade school children, the illustrations reveal the childrens' traumatic experiences when Typhoon Ketsana hit their villages.
Ten-year-old Lyniedel is afraid to sleep at night because of fears that flash floods may recur.
She said: "I am afraid. The flood waters may again sweep us away. The children may drown. I hope the land dries up soon so that we will be able to celebrate Christmas."
In times of disasters and calamities, children tend to be left out. That is why for relief workers, it is important to create child friendly spaces to help them cope with their grief.
Cherry Marcelo, World Vision Philippines, said: "After an overwhelming or stressful experience, they need time to relax and just express whatever they are feeling inside. Play therapy is very important for children as it can serve as an outlet for their negative emotions, thoughts, and feelings."
Just like 11-year-old Ayla Marie who has kept to herself since the devastating floods. It was through psycho-social therapy sessions that she was able to finally express her pain of losing some of her classmates.
Ayla Marie Paner, survivor, Typhoon Ketsana, said: "I saw houses completely destroyed. I saw my classmates drown. The others were buried under hollow blocks. There were dead people floating in the river."
Volunteers believe that through this process, the children will be able to recover from the devastation that they experienced. - CNA/vm
