How World Vision is helping children in North Cebu find hope amid the ruins  

In the safety of an open school gym, more than a hundred children are spread scrawling on the ground immersed in various activities. 

Among these children sits Crislen, an eight-year-old girl, busily coloring her drawing. Crislen is one of the thousands of children affected by the magnitude 6.9 quake in North Cebu, Philippines that happened on the night of September 30. 

“I was so scared of the quake. Because of it, I cried. That is me in the drawing,” says Crislen showing her artwork of a crying emoji. 

Crislen then gets distracted talking with the other children. 

To help children like Crislen process their emotions, World Vision has set up Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) to support the psychosocial needs of children. In the CFS, there are bracelet-making, arts and crafts, and even breathing techniques for older children. 

Meanwhile, nine-year old Niña who lives with her grandmother shares her experience waking up to the shaking of the ground. 

“I’m just grateful that World Vision is here,” she says.  

Asked what made her happy, she shyly glanced at the bracelet on her wrist she crafted with her friends.  

“It really helps because they get to express their feelings. Being around other children also somehow gives them a sense of peer support that things will be okay,” says World Vision Program Officer Ann Casera.  

“I’m also glad that the children are holding on to prayers,” she adds.  

Casera also emphasized the importance of child-friendly spaces in the aftermath of an emergency. Children described feeling overwhelmed with fear during the earthquake—some were visibly trembling, others broke down in tears, and many clutched tightly to their loved ones as the tremors shook their surroundings. 

“The impact of an earthquake can be traumatic to children. It’s really important to prepare for an interactive Child Friendly Space so they can remain engaged during this difficult time and divert their attention from thinking of the earthquake,” she says. 

“One of the kids shared that the CFS activities helped ease their sadness—little by little, the fear and sorrow faded. Even just for a while, doing something joyful and meaningful made a big difference for them,” said Casera.  

World Vision continues to work on the ground, ensuring that simple refuge like child-friendly spaces can support children like Crislen and Niña cope from the trauma of the earthquake. 

The organization is also providing lifesaving essentials to quake affected children and their families in the hardest hit areas.