Our Work - Post Emergency Work
Post Emergency Work
Context
On 12 May 2008, a strong earthquake of a magnitude of Richter Scale 8.0 struck Sichuan Province, with its epicenter in Wenchuan County. Aide et Action carried the emergency relief work immediately. We also conducted surveys with families in the disaster areas on further needs, which have led AEA to begin the Emergency and Post Emergency project – "New Life".
The "New Life" project was launched in tent schools and temporary settlement communities in Pengzhou and Dujangyan City, the most devastated areas. Besides helping with infrastructure construction to resume normal teaching, summer camps and community cultural activities have also been organized. Through these activities, not only were we able to better understand the situations of the schools and the communities in the devastated cities, people affected could also demonstrate their perseverance to the world.
Summer Camp
The first summer camp began in Summer 2008. There were music, martial arts, and drama performances, drawing classes, outdoor movies... A library was also set up. Benefits to children were shown by their improved academic grades and increased care for others. Moreover, parents could focus on re-building work while their children were in the camp. The summer camp has benefited 450 children and their families, 63 teachers and the community.
The second Summer Camp completed on 23 August 2009. It was launched simultaneously in Wuguiping Village of Hongbai Township Shifang City, Baochan Village of Longmenshan Township Pengzhou City and Caoba Village of Xiaoyudong Township, Pengzhou City. With 26 volunteers from tertiary institutions across the country and support from our Japanese partner NICCO, over 300 children had a joyful and meaningful 2 months.
Disaster Prevention and Safety Education
The earthquake gave a hard hit to society, economy, family and children psychology. It also revealed the inadequacy of disaster prevention education in schools. AEA therefore started conducting "disaster prevention and safety education courses" in the schools within the devastated regions.
The first phase of "disaster prevention and safety education courses" was carried out in 6 classes in 3 schools in Pengzhou City, namely Caoba Village School, Yujiangnan Village School and Xiaoyudong Township School, during April to May 2009, where 226 students and 12 teachers participated.
We plan to expand our courses to 7 primary schools and compile and publish a disaster prevention education handbook in 2010; introduce the handbook to all 52 schools and 100 thousand students in Pengzhou City in 2011.