SAVE the Children Fiji (SC Fiji) initiated recreational activities this week in an attempt to lighten the burden carried by children affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan last month.
The Child Friendly Space Activation Programme is the first of its kind and managed to put smiles on the faces of 116 displaced children throughout 10 evacuation centres in the Western Division.
According to SC Fiji, the program included activities such as drawing, singing, free play, sculpting plasticine and clay, poems, paintings, puppets and story-telling.
"The program also looked at the risks and vulnerability factors for children, hygiene practices … depicting a very distinct view of the effects the cyclone caused to the children and their belongings," a statement from the organisation said.
Parent and evacuee Kalesi Rokotakala was appreciative of the space it gave her children.
"My two-year-old child did not want to move out from his home and fought with us to go back and check the condition of our home. I am happy my child is safe here," she said.
SC Fiji CEO Chandra Shekhar said parents appreciated the gesture.
"The parents told us that this was the first time anyone had thought about the children at the evacuation centres and were moved to see SC Fiji implementing this," said Mr Shekhar.