Christian Children's Fund of Canada (CCFC) is responding to children and families following Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The organization has already initiated the delivery of essential goods, co-ordinated by CCFC’s Global Alliance partner - ChildFund Japan.  CCFC and ChildFund Japan will attend to the immediate physical needs made necessary by the shattered infrastructure by helping to provide food, clean water, and shelter.

Equally important is the psychosocial support that will be needed for children who will continue to bear the long-term effects of this crisis.  Although Japanese staff report that children are generally in good physical health, it is inevitable these children will experience fear, trauma, and heartache as a result of having their homes and lives destroyed.

Thousands of teachers will be provided with a Japanese translation of the ChildFund Psycho-Social support manual for use in emergency situations. In the aftermath of natural disasters, children’s lives are turned upside down. This manual will help provide a context for healing through structured discussions. The document will help teachers and caregivers provide age-appropriate activities to help children work through and appropriately manage their emotions and fears.

In addition, relief items are being distributed in three prefectures (states) that were seriously damaged. ChildFund Japan has partnered with The Lutheran Church, United Church of Christ, Lutheran College & Seminary, and Izumi Junior College in its work to help children.

CCFC and ChildFund Japan are delivering rice, noodles, powdered milk, diapers, butane cartridges, and other basic items to families and children displaced by the magnitude 8.9 earthquake.

“Working through local churches and institutions is an efficient way to maximize resources, and ensure a coordinated flow of emergency goods to those in need, our prayers are with the families of Japan.” says CCFC CEO, Mark Lukowski.