UNICEF hopes resumption of classes will bring normalcy to ‘Yolanda’-hit areas

In this aerial photo taken on Nov. 9, 2013, and released by the Philippine Air Force, a ferry boat is seen washed inland from a massive storm surge caused by Typhoon Haiyan, in the city of Tacloban, central Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Children’s Fund hopes the resumption of classes in areas affected by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international codename: Haiyan) will be a spring board to speed up rehabilitation, a statement said.

UNICEF together with international organizations Save the Children and INTERSOS supported the Back to Learning campaign of the Department of Education and Department of Social Welfare and Development that saw the re-opening of schools on Monday.

“UNICEF’s objective is to ensure that children affected by Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ return to quality learning as quickly as possible,” said Angela Kearney, officer-in-charge of UNICEF Philippines.

According to the UN arm, schools have become safe havens for both teachers and children and once school started, the daily routine has helped restore a sense of normalcy.

“It’s our hope that children returning to school and day care centers will have a sense of routine and have a safe place during the day to be with friends where they can continue to learn and enjoy safe play,” said Dr. Luisa Yu, DepEd Director for Region VIII.

UNICEF hopes that once the children are back in school, parents will have more time to rebuild their livelihood.

As of January 6, the campaign has supported 550,000 children, teachers and day-care workers to resume classroom activities after “Yolanda.”

Urgent repairs have made 3,000 classrooms functional with the addition of tents and makeshift learning spaces to bolster the resume of classes.

The campaign aims to provide 500,000 children with school and recreational supplies and train10,000 teachers and day-care workers on emergency-related topics.

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