Plan reaching out to Japan's children

Plan's aid response in Japan is to target the many struggling children and families living in evacuation and relief centres.

Following visits to the flashpoint of the tsunami and earthquake devastated areas of the Sendai region, Plan will distribute 1,000 'family kits' to many left homeless as part of its initial three-month aid program.

A kit contains basic items such soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, a towel, underwear, diapers, sanitary napkins, a torch etc. Efforts will also be directed towards school-centred activities to provide psychosocial care for children.

Plan does not normally operate programs in Japan but has launched a targeted $1million response to the huge needs following the multiple disasters in the region.

Ground situation grim

The response follows assessment visits to the worst-affected cities of Tagajo and Ishinomaki, both east of Sendai.

The Plan team encountered harrowing scenes and accounts while visiting the education board of Tagajo city and an evacuation centre. Plan’s Disaster Response Policy Coordinator Unni Krishnan conducted an orientation session for teachers on dealing with emotional first aid of students and shared Plan’s experience in disasters like the Haiti earthquake.

Children worst hit

Unni said: "This disaster has affected everyone. However, children are the worst hit. While life-saving needs like medical assistance, food and water are important, it is equally important to provide emotional first aid and psychosocial support for the most vulnerable, such as children."

Plan Japan staff member Tomomi Ikehara, part of the team in Sendai said: "I think most children will want to get back to school if possible but some children may be frightened to know that they will never see some friends again."

The first phase will also involve setting up of a field operations hub to better coordinate Plan’s aid response. Plan will also closely network with other organisations delivering humanitarian assistance.

Thousands still homeless

As the relief work is gaining momentum, extreme cold and weather conditions are amplifying the crisis. More than 300,000 people are still homeless and living in evacuation centres. "Repeated aftershocks and uncertainty over Fukushima nuclear reactors are adding to people's stress, especially children," said Unni.

As of 22 March, nearly US$320,000 has been raised among Plan’s sponsors and supporters for its aid response in Japan.

Donations can be made to our Japan Earthquake and Tsunami appeal