After Yolanda: What Children Think, Need and Recommend

The report “After Yolanda: What Children Think, Need and Recommend”, released by World Vision, Unicef, Save the Children and Plan, documents  the findings of  consultations conducted with 124 children and young people in the wake of the massive typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan that hit the Philippines in early November. The consultations were conducted in the hard-hit areas of Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Leyte and East and West Samar, and were aimed to seek the views of children on the humanitarian situation, to find out what their priorities are and ask for suggestions to improve the response to the Philippines disaster.  Among the priorities identified by children and young people were rebuilding homes, restoring electricity and returning to school.  Many highlighted that they were fearful of another typhoon but also wanted to learn more about how they could prevent and prepare for future events. Many children were also taking on new roles and responsibilities to help their families and communities to recover. 

This report responded to an identified lack of consultation with children in the needs assessment phase. 41% of the 14 million affected by the thyphoon are children – yet there have been no systematic efforts to engage children in their needs or priorities for response and recovery.   By taking children’s views into account, agencies and the Government of the Philippines can ensure that the decisions being made, which affect children’s lives now and in the future, really respond to their needs. Children play a vital role not only in helping rebuild, but also in reducing risk and strengthening resilience in the long term.