Through the Eyes of Children – Three Years After the Tsunami
These images represent stories of children whose lives were forever changed on December 26, 2004. The tsunami's devastation had a great impact on children. To help families cope with the emotional effects following the disaster, the American Red Cross engaged communities through Psychosocial Support Programs (PSP). These programs include creative activities such as singing, dancing, painting and traditional ceremonies. This approach aids individual recovery while encouraging a renewed sense of community.
To focus special attention on the unique needs of children, the PSP teams in Indonesia and Sri Lanka recently engaged eighty students, ages 6 through 14, in a photography exercise. The children were given disposable cameras to document their school, home and those things that are most important to them. This creative expression helped the children communicate how their lives have changed and how recovery is shaping their communities.
"(We) found the enthusiasm of children to learn and to see things in a different view. (We) hope that this will give all of us a sense of happiness and hope that we have touched our beneficiaries' hearts." Nirasha, PSP Facilitator in Sri Lanka
