by FFE PH News Staff

Photo: Manila Bulletin

The resumption of classes is usually met with dismay by kids tired of school. But in the Visayas regions affected by typhoon Yolanda, an international group sees school as an opportunity to help victims get back on their feet.

Save the Children Philippine representative Tanya Strongman said that starting school will push forward the long-term rehabilitation process in the region. She added that ‘Schools are fantastic, it provides the perfect opportunity for us to reach out to the children.’

According to UN estimates, around 1.68 million children have been affected by the typhoon. Strongman said that school not only brings back normalcy to the lives of the kids, it also serves as a channel to teach them and their families how to ‘get their lives back on track.’

Save the Children Philippines said that they are planning to build temporary learning spaces where kids can continue their studies while permanent, more stable school buildings are being constructed. Strongman said ‘The temporary learning spaces should not be for long-term solutions. We must rebuild the schools so the children can return to their normal lives.’

The Department of Education reported that around 656 schools in Eastern Visayas had been totally destroyed by the typhoon. Strongman reiterated that her organisation’s top one goal ‘is to return the kids to school.’