Hurricane Katrina, August 29, 2005; a day I will never forget. I was in college at the time, studying Early Childhood. It was a habit of mine to often take what I had learned in class and “practice” a skill I had learned with my God-sister & God-brother or test out some type of theory; my mama had once told me I was more like a scientist with them than a Godmother J. Anyway both 4 years old; they still til’ this day can tell you about the day the water washed everything away. Days after the storm I remember having conversations with both of them to get their feel of what they thought had happened; they both had a surprisingly good sense of how much power the hurricane had and that all of their friends has gotten their toys and clothes taken away just like them.
I believe they way both children coped was through constant conversation and assurance from not only adults but with their siblings and other family members closer in age with them. When they finally went back to school, it was comforting to see all of their friends and teachers; it brought back a sense of norm and routine. The schools did a great job with having different types of activities for self-expression and there were several extra counselors at the school for over a year. If you were to ask them today about Hurricane Katrina, they both get uneasy and always ask if another storm is coming; they don’t like to discuss the day the water came and washed everything away, but they do understand it was something that no one could control and that we must always have a disaster plan.
This resource is specific to Hurricane Katrina victims however the information can be adapted to other natural disasters similar to Katrina such as the recent tornado and tsunami victims:
Thinking about Hurricane Katrina, I instantly though of the children of Haiti. Because Haiti is a 3rd world country, I’m very interested in what they have done for the victims of the earthquake. I have found out there are multiple resources outside of the country and there are very far few and in between that are actually in the country to help Haitian children cope with the devastation. From researching I have found out that many of the children prefer to sleep outside now because they are afraid of buildings collapsing again. Children mainly show absolutely no emotion; they just stare. The ones that do show emotion, only cry and few are trying to cling on the anyone who is willing to give them attention According to USA Today, Aid groups including UNICEF and Save the Children set up special tents for children in camps of displaced residents, to start what they call "psychological first aid." Mercy Corps is handing out "comfort kits," including a blanket and stuffed animal. The children's tent "gives kids a place to go. It starts some sort of normal routine," says Miles, of Save the Children.
EVERYONE should read the article, In Haiti Children Are The Most Vulnerable. I urge you to read this article to get a better sense of the effects of this stressor on the children of Haiti; it’s a real eye opener. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-24-haiti-children_N.htm
I cannot imagine how those children must suffer mentally. When I read the part about the children wanting to sleep outside because they were afraid of buildings collapsing, my heart was touched. Children are so innocent, I do not think it fair nor ethical for them to go through such things. On another note, awesome post Tasha Marie
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