Plan International Australia launches 'Children in Crisis' Appeal

Hundreds of children and families take refuge in a temporary shelter at school in San Jose after floods forced them from their homes.

Plan International Australia has launched an emergency appeal following the series of disasters throughout South-East Asia.

Donations will support Plan offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines to provide immediate assistance to vulnerable communities, with a focus on supporting children.

Following the recent disasters throughout South-East Asia, leading child-centred development agency Plan Australia has launched the 'Children in Crisis – Asia Disaster Appeal'.

Amalia Fawcett, Plan's child protection in emergencies specialist in Australia, stresses the need to prioritise children.

'When a crisis hits, children are particularly vulnerable. Usually protected by their communities and families, this first line of defence is under stress and needs support.'

In emergencies Plan – in partnership with other national governments and other agencies – works with communities to ensure they are supported to protect and care for their children in a tense and difficult time.

Ms Fawcett also explains there are a number of key areas within which Plan International can assist.

'Whether it is ensuring access to water and sanitation, assisting families to provide children with sufficient nutrition, or supporting activities to assist in psychosocial recovery, Plan's emergency response aims to lessen the impact on the most vulnerable.'

With the public's support, Plan's offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines will provide immediate assistance to vulnerable communities affected by these recent major disasters in our region.

Donate online or phone 13 7526 (13 PLAN).

Indonesia – Plan will distribute non-food Items and hygiene kits which will be distributed through our local partners in earthquake-affected communities in Sumatra. This distribution will enable children and their communities to protect themselves against disease and illness.

Philippines - Plan is working in one of the hardest hit provinces, Rizal Province, to provide children with access to their right to Education following the typhoon. Education is a vital aspect of emergency response as it provides children with protection as well as psychosocial support and the opportunity to resume normal daily activities such as learning with their friends.

Vietnam - Plan will provide children and communities with immediate relief items in the wake of the typhoon. Plan will provide food, household kits – including buckets, soap, blankets, mosquito nets – and plastic sheeting for shelter. Plan will look to support 150,000 people in the most vulnerable communities.

Note to editors

Amalia Fawcett (Plan's child protection in emergencies specialist in Australia) is available for comment.
Contact Megan Brown on 0411 035 388 to arrange an interview.