Child Friendly Spaces

Out of the 9 Teachers Without Borders initiatives, the initiative I have chosen to implement Bindlestick Learning into is the Child Friendly Space (CFS).

Child Friendly Spaces are set up for children where there are emergencies, natural disasters and war zones. It is a place set up within a disaster-affected community that offers a safe haven where a child’s physical, social and emotional needs can be met. As children are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and violence during these times, it is important that they can have a refuge allowing them to feel safe and secure.

In this space, an understanding of the local customs, traditions and routines of the families and children using this space must be acknowledged. It is important to call upon local resources such as government, health professionals, churches and volunteers to assist in maintaining a sense of community for the families and children in crisis. Professional assistance for health, hygiene and trauma assistance, can then be sought once the Child Friendly Space has been settled and refugees have been provided with water, food, shelter and basic survival items.

​

Within these Child Friendly Spaces ,Teachers Without Borders   

not only assist with setting up the space in the first instance, but help children return to a normal routine. They attempt to create an educational structure out of chaos. They must navigate between the need for formal and non-formal education and the value of peers and mentors over textbooks. Reading, games, group activities, creative play and creating positive social interactions can give children a sense a normality within the ongoing crisis.

​

Utilising Child Friendly Spaces, in conjunction with Bindlestick Learning, will educate and encourage children to continue learning .

​