World Vision to rebuild 85 classrooms in Haiyan hit areas

by Leoniza O. Morales, Haiyan Response Communications

Typhoon Haiyan hit the central Philippines over eight months ago, but the recovery and rehabilitation continues.

The Department of Education reports that 4,599 classrooms in Visayas regions and Palawan province were totally destroyed and 13,021 sustained damage by super typhoon Haiyan.

World Vision East Leyte Zonal Manager Ajab Macapagat says rehabilitation is not a one-time shot job, “it is a long process; it’s not just repairing torn classrooms, but requires various approaches to help the entire communities fully recover.”

To help respond to this enormous need, World Vision will repair 26 classrooms and construct 59 classrooms in the province of Leyte.

“Part of the recovery of the communities is to ensure students have safer and more conducive learning environment,” says Macapagat.

 
Dr. Mario Roge Sumilon, Assistant School Division Superintendent in Leyte acknowledges the vital contribution of non government organizations, international communities and private agencies in the rehabilitation of damaged classrooms.

“With the extent of destruction, we cannot do it our own. We are very fortunate to receive these acts of generosity.”

Students’ bags, books, and instructional materials were all swept by the typhoon.

To ease the burdens of parents, World Vision distributed learners’ kit to 3,374 students in 12 public elementary schools in Leyte province. The kits include items like pencils, pens, scissors, crayons, writing pads, and a new backpack.

While repair of classrooms and construction of water system, comfort rooms and hand-washing facilities will start in August, World Vision will provide new temporary learning space so classes will not be disrupted.