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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been steadfast in its commitment that no children should be left behind as the world faces COVID-19.
While doing various efforts in partnership with the Philippine government such as its virtual training of health workers on COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), as well as donation drive for tents, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and disinfection supplies, UNICEF also recognizes that children are greatly affected during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). UNICEF emphasizes that children are not only receivers of aid but are instrumental in their own communities’ responses to COVID-19.
Adults can learn from children’s sense of community and giving back. “We commend the parents as well as communities that are encouraging children to help in any way they can. Scientific research has actually shown that generosity releases endorphins in the brain, which results in reduced stress and better physical health,” Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, said. “These are trying times, and we must help each other to the best of our abilities in order for us to heal as one nation.”
Amidst this global pandemic, there have been some exceptional examples of Filipino children showcasing their innate kindness to those who need it the most.
Words of hope
A physician from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine recently revealed that children sent over handmade get-well cards to share some words of hope to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. These cards arrived in different colors, and contained encouraging messages such as, “Hope to see you home soon!!” and “Hugs for you!!”
These special works of art were given to the COVID-19 patients along with their breakfast trays, helping them start their day on a cheerful note. Greeting cards may be shared to the “Share your love, Share A Card” Facebook page or emailed to [email protected] so the team can print them for distribution to the patients.
In Southbay Gardens in Parañaque City, Francesca Herring and her sister-in-law Steph Gacrama organized their own initiative to help hospital frontliners. As the adults cooked meals in the kitchen, six-year-old Ava, four-year-old Ollie, three-year-old Santi, two-year-old Matty, and even six-month-old Lenny showcased their artistic prowess by painting special greeting cards that were placed on top of each meal pack prepared. This little gesture highlighted the value of family bonding and solidarity while having the ability to give back to those bravely combatting the pandemic.
“We wanted to share our blessing and extend some help to our frontliners by providing them packed meals, as we were hearing a number of hospitals needing to feed their staff. The kids are very aware of what’s happening around the globe, and to further emphasize what we have been teaching them about the virus and the idea of ‘when in doubt or fear, choose to be kind,’ we decided to involve them in the process,” Ms. Herring, shared.
Family volunteering
As part of the Southbay Outreach, the Ancheta family has taken it upon themselves to bundle food packs consisting of rice, canned goods, noodles, and more for the urban poor. They packed a total of 40 bags for the developing community beside Southbay Gardens in Parañaque City.
“It was a good and happy experience to be of help to others during this pandemic crisis,” 11-year-old Ru Ancheta said. This kind of effort opens the hearts and minds of children to help those in need.
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