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World Vision creates safe environment for
children displaced by conflict
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Children are having fun at their first day in a Child Friendly Space
created by World Vision
World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org
World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org
Last week, World Vision opened six Child Friendly Spaces in the capital, Tbilisi. More than 200 children currently living in collective centers for internally displaced people, now have regular opportunities to interact with new friends, play sports and receive formal and non-formula education in a structured environment. Children are also provided with a hot meal.
'For my children this space is like a bright spot in their life. It is the only place they can avoid stressful situations and live like children, as they used to be before the war,' said Marina a mother of two.
Marina lives in a former kindergarten building in Tbilisi with her two children and husband. Marina said the war influenced the children's psychological condition very much and they need a place to entertain themselves and forget their problems.
Separate rooms have been repaired and adapted for children. Two teachers and a psychologist take care of children at each centre. The project was implemented with the financial aid of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
'We aim to create such an environment for children where they will have opportunities to receive formal and informal education, and where they will develop physically and mentally. This is what teachers and psychologists work on every day,' said Natia Gabelia, a Child Friendly Space Manager.
In-depth assessments of IDP centers in Tbilisi and Gori were conducted to determine the best locations for Child Friendly Spaces. Places containing more than 25 children in dire condition, were the criteria for choosing a location of most need. In most places parents asked for help for their children, as they did not have any place to play and avoid the stressful situation.
World Vision is co-ordinating its response with other relief agencies by providing child-focused expertise in emergency food relief, shelter, non-food relief, children's protection and their health and nutrition.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
