World Vision helps children come to terms with loss after Nepal Quake

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 1, 2015 /CNW/ - World Vision is setting up Child Friendly Spaces to help address the emotional needs of children whose lives were devastated by the Nepal Earthquake. The children's aid agency is establishing six of the protected places, where children can play and express themselves, in areas affected by the disaster. The first four spaces are now up and running in Tudikhel and Lalitpur. Temporary learning centres will also be set up in the same locations.

World Vision's incoming president, Michael Messenger, currently in Nepal, says these "safe zones" are critical to help meet the emotional needs of children who are most vulnerable during disasters.

QUOTES

"After a disaster of this magnitude, children have both immediate emotional needs as well as practical ones. World Vision's Child Friendly Spaces are places where children can play, learn and try to regain some sense of their lives before the devastation. These protected places provide calm amid the chaos." – Michael Messenger, incoming president of World Vision Canada, currently in Nepal.

"Yesterday a boy told me he was scared to return to school because he didn't want to learn that his friends had died. In our Child Friendly Spaces we're helping children to play again, and try to regain some sense of their lives before the devastation. Young people often start expressing their feelings through artwork and games."
– Michael Messenger, incoming president of World Vision Canada, currently in Nepal.

PHOTOS & VIDEO
Download photos of Child Friendly Spaces  http://bit.ly/1JPd3cI 
Video of Child Friendly Spaces in Nepal http://bit.ly/1HULoIl

What Canadians can do:

Canadians wishing to support World Vision's emergency response in Nepal can text "AID" to 45678 to donate $20, or donate by online at worldvision.ca, or by calling 1-866-595-5550.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca. 

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Video with caption: "Video: World Vision has opened four Child Friendly Spaces in the Kathmandu Valley". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A6rYNQgyM8

Image with caption: "World Vision has opened four Child Friendly Spaces in the Kathmandu Valley (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150501_C5311_PHOTO_EN_16066.jpg

Image with caption: "World Vision has opened four Child Friendly Spaces in the Kathmandu Valley (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150501_C5311_PHOTO_EN_16067.jpg

INTERVIEWS: Michael Messenger is currently in Nepal and available for interviews. Please contact: Bob Neufeld (Emergency Communications Manager), 647-622-2045 or 905-565-6200 ext. 3265, [email protected]; Julia Rim Shepard, 416-722-8770 or 905-565-6200 x 3898, [email protected]