Saving Child Disaster Victims in Indonesia 

Dwi's family suffered from the May 27, 2006 earthquake that devastated the Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces of Indonesia. The natural disaster killed more than 5,700 people and destroyed numerous homes, schools, and belongings.

Since that terrible day, the young mother has been fearful for her two children's future and well-being. "The children have been very frightened. They have lost their clothes and have been coughing." Now she hears her children's laughter from a big green tent in Kebom Dalam Lor village as more than 100 children celebrate the opening of a child-friendly space (CFS).

When World Vision staff unload boxes of treats, books, lunch boxes, and sandals, Dwi's face lights up. Two-year-old Octavia and the other children are excitedly showing off their new treasures: a pack containing a lunch box, drinking bottle, and sandals. The tent also has books and writing materials to replace items buried in the rubble. The children's activities include singing, dancing, and reading.

Dwi is thrilled that her children have a safe place to play each day. She adds, "The sandals will now stop them from stepping on nails and other sharp objects." Most importantly, the CFS gives them a sense of hope and normalcy as their family begins to rebuild their lives.

Your monthly gifts as a Crisis Child Partner have made possible the operation in the earthquake region of 20 child-friendly spaces that benefit some 3,000 children.

Your donations also provide for essential items such as tarps, blankets, mats, cooking utensils, soap, kerosene lamps, clothing, and water containers for 9,000 children and families. Baby porridge and over 50,000 high-energy biscuits are distributed to feed young children.

World Vision will be there to help rebuild homes and schools, too.

Click here to become a Crisis Child Partner and help children and their families devasted by disasters.