In the heart of the most destroyed sector of Tocopilla, in the district of La Patria, World Vision is raising an oasis of peace and hope. A huge weather proof tent in a fenced playground surrounded by the desert will host the "Club de Niños y Niñas" (Spanish for the Club of Boys and Girls).

The club will receive around 100 children between the ages of 4 and 12 and serve them 3 meals a day while they deal with their traumatic experiences and memories of the earthquake through cultural and recreational activities.

The club is a safe and stable environment where children will play sports and games under the guidance of specialists. Since the Ministry of Education ended the academic year because of damages to the infrastructure of many schools and lack of safety amid constant aftershocks; it has become increasingly important to provide community psychological intervention directed at setting a routine for children through educational and recreational activities and to build community capacity to prevent sequelae from the trauma of the disaster.

A group of young volunteers, experienced in working with children in summer camps, will arrive within the next few days to train volunteers from Tocopilla, under the guidance and direction of World Vision Chile Childhood Director.

Parents are very grateful. While their children are under the care of the club, they will have time to rebuild their houses and to the paperwork necessary to access government services offered during emergency situations.

The club will also offer special psychological counseling to children who need support.

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In Santiago

In English & Spanish Paula Saez Communications Coordinator Cell: + 56-9-84299181 Sat Phone: + 1880881641487562

Marta Gazzari Communications Coordinator Ph: + 56-2-731-1301

Tatiana Benavides National Director Ph: + 56-2-222-8028 Cell: + 56-9-9821-5151