Why Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) matter during emergencies

As World Vision rushed aid into disaster zones, one of the most vital, yet often simple, interventions was our Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS).

These spaces are not just play areas; they are structured, safe havens designed to protect children and restore a sense of normalcy when their lives have been shattered by conflict or disaster.

The chaos following an emergency affects children most severely, often leaving invisible wounds.

“Whenever there’s a disaster or calamity, children are the ones most affected,” says Erlinda “Dada” Alejaga, World Vision Child Protection Specialist. “They experience fear and sometimes can’t sleep at night because of what they’ve been through.”

In this vulnerable state, children face immediate dangers like separation from family, trauma, and neglect. The CFS acts as a critical protection measure against these risks.

The primary goal of the CFS is to give children a secure outlet to process their trauma and continue their development.

“That’s why the Child-Friendly Space is a place where children can express themselves through play and by interacting with other children,” Dada explains.

The space provides necessary structure and supervision. It is a dedicated platform for recovery, ensuring that even amidst the crisis, childhood development doesn’t stop.

The seemingly simple acts of play—drawing, ball games, or blowing bubbles—are powerful therapeutic tools. They help children step away from the anxiety and fear that consumed them after the disaster.

“And through play, they sometimes forget their fears and are able to express them creatively — through drawing, playing with balls, and blowing bubbles,” Dada states.

The effect is immediate and visible. The CFS allows children to reconnect with their innate resilience and joy.

By offering children a stable environment, the CFS also supports the entire community’s recovery. 

Parents and caregivers are freed from the constant worry of their children’s safety, allowing them to focus on seeking aid or rebuilding their livelihoods.

In essence, World Vision’s Child-Friendly Space is an investment in both life-saving protection and early recovery, ensuring that childhood survives the crisis.