Children step up to aid disaster recovery
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Following hurricanes and other disasters, children in affected areas actively assisted their families and communities.
Lori Peek of the University of Colorado, Boulder, researches how disasters impact children and found that during Hurricane Katrina, older children organised activities like sports and coloring for younger children. They also provided childcare for mothers waiting in line for assistance.
After storms, many children helped with the difficult task of clearing damaged homes, and teenagers sometimes found work to contribute financially to their families’ recovery. Children living outside the disaster areas also responded by raising money and collecting essential supplies like school materials and books to donate to relief organisations. Peek explains that participating in recovery efforts in ways suited to their age allows children to cope with what they have experienced or seen.
She also notes that it demonstrates to children that they can positively impact their surroundings. These actions show children a sense of purpose beyond themselves, and contribute to community resilience.
