/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Christian aid organization World Vision today opened a new children’s center in Dichato, Chile, which was devastated by last week’s deadly earthquake and tsunamis.
The children’s centers, called Child-Friendly-Spaces, are areas set up in tents, schools, churches and other structures where children can enjoy activities such as arts, crafts, music and drama, which provide them with some of the structure and safety that they lose following disasters. In addition, there are opportunities for them to talk to peers and psychologists to begin emotional healing after their frightening experiences.
“I get scared at night,” said 7-year-old Millaray.
“At night I dream only bad things,” said 10-year-old Matias. “Sometimes I see that the earth is opening and we all fall in a hole. Many bad things. That my mom and dad die.”
“The children don’t understand what’s happening. They cry. They suffer,” says Paz Romina Castillo Aviles, a fourth-grade teacher from Dichato. “They’ve lost their homes and their parents are facing a lot of stress because of what they are living through right now.”
Aviles is now leading activities at the Child-Friendly Space in Dichato. World Vision provided materials, space and training. Trained community members like Aviles provide the professional support.
“Even though
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