Indonesia Earthquake Update

School & Play Therapy in West Sumatera

HOPE worldwide Indonesia’s disaster relief team set up a school tent in the Public Primary School SDN 16 in Ulakan Tapakis. The school desperately needed the tent to accommodate at least a class or two. Ten days later, the team started to mobilize community-based psychosocial support to the area's children. The school was filled with students the first day we visited. Some classrooms were severely damaged. There was no greeting from the children, just confusion. We started by introducing ourselves and explaining our purpose in coming to the school. Slowly, the atmosphere changed with friendly and smiling faces. Songs and games became our bridge of communication. There was excitement, we sang and danced. Doing arts and crafts activities helped them release all the fear and burdens caused by the earthquake.

“I was greatly shocked and afraid when the earthquake struck the island of Sumatera. But when you came here, my fear suddenly disappeared. Thanks for cheering us up!” ~ Tegar Ananda, one of the students

“I am so happy that you came here. All of us are so happy as long as you are here. Thanks for coming here!” ~ Risa Meirina, another student from SDN 16

Through the psychosocial program, their strange expressions have changed to friendliness. They are no longer hesitant in the play therapy session held three times a week. All the children even arrive one hour early each time.

Informational flyers about simple health education and risk reduction were distributed to teachers and students, to prevent casualties or damage in possible aftershocks and mitigate the impact of the earthquake.