[TOKYO, Japan, 9 April 2011]
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| © Japan Committee for UNICEF |
| Psychological assistance training provided at the UNICEF House in Tokyo. |
The Japan Committee for UNICEF (JCU) is working to create Child Friendly Spaces for children—who are the most vulnerable during disaster situations—that were victim to the Great East Japan Earthquake. In order to provide psychological assistance using Child Friendly Spaces, training is being providing on a continual basis for teachers and volunteers that are to be involved in the operation of Child Friendly Spaces.
On 9 April, at the UNICEF House in Tokyo and with the cooperation of the Japan Association for Play Therapy, training was provided for play therapists who are to train teachers and volunteers.
Participants in the training were able to learn carefully about psychological assistance for children during times of disaster. The participants also pointed out the necessity for similar assistance for adults, including the teachers, who are also disaster victims. During times of disaster it is important to carefully instruct teachers, and even those that are in regular contact with children, in a step-by-step manner about psychological assistance for children. At the same time, people expressed anticipation for the type of assistance that can only be provided by teachers that had a relationship with the children before the disaster occurred. President and Chairman of the Japan Association for Play Therapy Takako Yuno told us about this type of assistance:
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| © Japan Committee for UNICEF |
| Training being held in Sendai City. |
“Children use playing to express their experiences. When children engage in play that is related to the earthquake, those around them tend to worry. However, children use such playing to address their feelings and to overcome their difficulties. That is why it is vital to watch over them with affection. I just returned from the disaster area and let me say that there are no words that can describe the situation. We are providing training so that volunteers can flexibly respond to local needs and unexpected situations.
Today, training was provided for volunteers in Sendai and tomorrow there are plans to train teachers and nursery staff from kindergartens in Iwanuma City.
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| © Japan Committee for UNICEF |
| A Child Friendly Space set up at Kamaishi Primary School in Miyagi Prefecture. |
Naoko Imoto, a UNICEF staff member that participated in Child Friendly Space activities in various areas throughout the northeastern disaster region, pointed out the necessity to consider assistance for junior high and high school students and commented that, “The children’s parents and teachers offered very high evaluations of the Child Friendly Spaces while the children appeared to eagerly await the start of activities. Parents seemed to feel as though the children had relieved some stress and asked that we continue the activities for as long as possible.”
The earthquake has significantly affected children. Through play, which is a natural form of expression for children, children are able to express their own emotions and ideas while also learning how to sort out their feelings and address their experience. These activities are being conducted as a form of psychological assistance for children, and are being continued in accordance with the needs at the disaster area and with the cooperation of a large number of participants.
*What is play therapy?
In a safe and comfortable environment and within the context of an appropriate and special interpersonal relationship, a child and play therapist play using toys. The play therapist encourages and helps the child express and explore their feelings, thoughts and behavior. (Japan Association for Play Therapy http://www.ja4pt.org/)
| Receiving Prefecture |
Type of Emergency Supplies |
Arrival Date |
Quantity | Donating Company |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miyagi | Water | 19 Mar. | 12,288 bottles |
VanaH Co., Ltd. | Two-liter plastic bottles |
| Fukushima | Water | 22 Mar. | 12,672 bottles |
VanaH Co., Ltd. | Two-liter plastic bottles |
| Miyagi | Underwear for boys and girls | 22 Mar. | 200,000 | ||
| Iwate | Underwear for boys and girls | 23 Mar. | 30,000 | ||
| Fukushima | Water | 23 Mar. | 4,680 bottles |
KIRIN MC DANONE WATERS Co., Ltd. | Two-liter plastic bottles |
| Miyagi | Children’s shoes | 23 Mar. | 10,000 pairs |
||
| Miyagi | RChildren’s diapers | 24 Mar. | 80 packs | P&G Japan | |
| Iwate | Children’s underwear | 24 Mar. | 9,700 | ||
| Fukushima | Water | 24 Mar. | 12,288 bottles |
VanaH Co., Ltd. | Two-liter plastic bottles |
| Iwate | Shoes | 26 Mar | 1,404 pairs | Achilles Corporation | |
| Iwate | Underwear for boys and girls | 27 Mar. | 28,266 | ||
| Iwate | Boots | 27 Mar. | 7,462 pairs | ||
| Iwate | Wipes | 28 Mar. | 1,200 | P&G Japan | For babies |
| Miyagi | Recreation kits Early Childhood Development kits |
2 Apr. | 50 of each | Procured from the UNICEF Supply Division | |
| Iwate | Recreation kits Early Childhood Development kits |
2 Apr. | 50 of each | Procured from the UNICEF Supply Division |
*In certain cases some supplies may be taken from prefectural supply storage warehouses and distributed to shelters and disaster sites in other prefectures.
As of 9:00 a.m. on 4 April 2011 (compiled by the Information and Public Affairs Division).