World Vision opens a door for a teenage orphan after Haiyan
By Maryann Zamora, Communications, World Vision Philippines
Daniel, 16, is entering a new phase in his life after experiencing the emotional aftermath of typhoon Haiyan and the loss of a loved one.
Thousands of families suffered when typhoon Haiyan hit their village in Leyte province. After the storm, Daniel and his grandfather Francisco temporarily moved into a shanty. Their house was blown away by the strong winds and the heavy downpour brought by the typhoon.
“He took care of me – raised and sent me to school. The rest of my family members died young- my mother, and two siblings. I do not know where my father is,” Daniel says while trying to holdback his tears.
But when Francisco got very ill, Daniel stopped going to school. He took care of his grandfather and worked as a laborer to provide for their daily needs. He is earning 600 pesos (USD 14) a month.
“Right after Yolanda (local name of typhoon Haiyan), he got sick. He couldn’t get up from the bed. I fed and bathed him. When it rained, I made sure he wouldn’t get wet. I usually covered him with a tarpaulin,” Daniel said.
“My grandfather slept on this bed while I used to sleep beside him,” Daniel says while pointing at a small makeshift bed made from bamboo strips.
Tragedy hits again
“He already left me. He died just this September,” Daniel says. Francisco was 82.
The house that World Vision built was supposed to be for both Daniel and his grandfather. Daniel admits that the new house reminds him of his grandfather. “We were excited to live here without rain leaking from the roof. I wish we are still together,” Daniel says.
“My grandfather was not able to see this new house but I know he is at peace looking at me now that I have a safe place to stay.”
Daniel admits being confronted with uncertainty about his future.
“I didn’t know what to do after my grandfather died but I am thankful that there are a lot of people who have been helping me. They are giving me advice on what is the best thing to do,” Daniel says.
The village leaders and his aunt, who just returned to Leyte after living away for many years, have been Daniel’s support.
Daniel wants to go back to school through Alternative Learning System, a modular non-formal education program of the Philippines for out-of-school youth and dropouts in elementary and secondary schools.
He also plans for livestock-raising; with World Vision providing him with the resources for livelihood.
Daniel is starting a new life with a house, a source of income, and the support of his community.
