Save the Children promotes the protection of children affected by rains and floods in Lambayeque.

• The intervention allows children and adolescents to cope with emotions due to the impact of the climate emergency on their mental health.
• Prevention talks against violence were also provided, and prevention kits for dengue were distributed with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE).

The rains and floods that affected northern Peru had a negative impact on the socio-emotional well-being of children and adolescents. In this context, as part of its comprehensive response to the climate emergency, Save the Children implemented a protection strategy in Lambayeque to address the mental health of affected children and prevent instances of violence.

With this intervention, called “Panchito, let’s understand the importance of a hug”, Save the Children encouraged families in Lambayeque to create spaces of connection and love that allow parents and caregivers to cope with emotions such as sadness, anger, and others that may arise among children in adverse situations.

These activities, carried out in the districts of Jayanca and Íllimo, were complemented with awareness-raising talks aimed at parents, caregivers, teachers, as well as the children themselves, to address topics related to dengue prevention and nutrition. Additionally, with the support of the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP), talks were provided for violence prevention.

“In emergency contexts, children are often the ones most emotionally affected, as they experience various difficult situations such as family or material losses and are exposed to various dangers. That’s why we intervene with a comprehensive protection approach that includes caring for their emotional well-being and preventing violence”, said Gabriela Reyes, territorial coordinator in Lambayeque for Save the Children.

Moreover, 620 kits were distributed to protect children from the dengue epidemic, along with educational materials on prevention for students. These kits include repellent, sunscreen, towels, liquid soap, and other necessary supplies for the protection and hygiene of the children. This entire intervention was made possible thanks to the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE).

Save the Children reiterated its commitment to continue working to protect children in emergency situations. It also emphasized the need to work in coordination with various entities in a scenario where the activation of the Global El Niño Phenomenon has been confirmed, which could cause further impacts in regions such as Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, among others.

To date, Save the Children has provided humanitarian aid to over 15,000 people affected by the emergency in areas such as health, nutrition, education, among others.