Hope as Wide as the Sea

Being summer, it is the most opportune time to gather children in the barangays. On April 28-29, 2015, Plan International, funded by the Asian Development Bank/Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, conducted its first ever Children’s Playshop in one island barangay in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It aimed to teach the children about hazards, capacities and vulnerabilities and also to consult them through a Community Risk Assessment using arts and play. Thus, the activity is entitled, Children’s Playshop.

Two friends who joined the training are Jolina (15) and Bernard (13). Both actively participated through-out the activity and had even reported for their group’s outputs. Naturally, they emerged as big brother and big sister to the younger participants. Behind these participants with apparent leadership skills are stories of inspiration and hope.

“Children, young as they are, can do something to prepare and save themselves from typhoons if they have enough knowledge,” this is what Bernard learned from the two-day activity. He believes that it is not only the adults who should prepare for impending typhoons, children can do something too. If children would gain understanding just like he did from the training, he believes they would also learn how protect themselves and even help their families from impending typhoons. Hence, with enthusiasm, he hopes to extend the lessons he learned from the training.

Having seven other siblings, Jolina sees the difficulties her parents experience to make ends meet. Her father is a fisherfolk, while her mother sells clothes. Of the 7 siblings she has, only 4 are working or studying in college, while the rest are still studying in only integrated school in the island just like her. However, this reality does not deter her from dreaming, moreso, it moves her to dream all the more. She dreams to be a caregiver to help her parents provide for their family. And she extends the same dream to her fellow children in the island. She hopes that the children of Sulu-an would give back to their families when they graduate from school.

The barangay, being an island community an hour and a half pump-boat ride away from mainland Guiuan, opportunities are limited and resources are scarce. But hearing the voices of Jolina and Bernard, it is apparent that hope indeed springs eternal. For the children of this island, maybe it is even as wide as the open the open sea.

PHOTOS FROM THE CHILDREN"S PLAYSHOP

Helping each other, the children drew their barangay's transect map.

Facilitator, Nixon Gensis, explains hazards, risks and vulnerabilities to the children.

Children actively participate to the workshop.

Hand in hand, children promise to apply at home, in their school and community
what they have learned in the Children's Playshop.

"Raising children's voices."