Hearing children amidst the mayhem

The key to disaster-recovery is to discover and use local communities' skills and resources. Often comprising half of the population, children can be a key part of the solution.

Disasters are especially traumatic for children. Mental and emotional development happen in childhood. Ensuring children’s survival is not enough to ensure their healthy development.

After a disaster, children’s needs for water, food, shelter, and health care are a priority, but their development is rarely considered. Some will be more vulnerable and show signs of trauma. They may suddenly be living alone or in a child-headed household, or be disabled. Some may have been housed in centres or with foster families, or lived on the street, and may have been in conflict with the law.

Children’s skills and weaknesses may vary with their age and gender, location and situation. Their role, which may have been limited, may change fast. Relief workers don't usually have child development expertise. They may be unfamiliar with children’s unique development stages and rapidly changing needs.

Discovering what help children need starts with listening.