More than three million children affected by China quake

In the biggest disaster for children since Gujarat in 2001, Save the Children estimates more than three million children have been affected by the China quake.

Thursday 22 May 2008

Wyndham James, China Country Director for Save the Children, said: "Three million children have been forced to leave their homes, many of who have been separated from their parents or carers. Save the Children is now scaling up its response effort to meet the needs of the surviving children. Our work will focus on setting up child-friendly spaces in temporary shelters, helping children deal with their stress and getting children into temporary schools."

"Initially we estimated needs of US$1 million, but with numbers affected still climbing we've revised our target to $5 million. We are now urgently seeking those funds to help us reach and assist these children. We worry that with the efficiency of the government's rescue operations the public may not recognise the sheer scale and long-term effects of this disaster for children" James continued. 

Save the Children is working with the Chinese Red Cross to set up child-friendly spaces in temporary shelters in Deyang and Mianyang ­- two of the worst affected prefectures. These spaces will be supervised areas where children can play, talk about their experiences and read books, enabling their parents or carers to begin the long and difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

Three million children is equivalent to one in four British children.  

Save the Children is today launching an appeal for US$5 million (£2.5 million) to fund our work assisting children affected by the China earthquake. To make a donation please visit https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/51_5561.htm or call 0800 8148148.

Ends 

Notes to Editors 

Read about our response to the earthquake in China - http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/en/51_5571.htm

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