WIREDGOV

Number of children affected by earthquake reaches 250,000

More than 280 schools have been damaged by the earthquake that hit Ecuador on April 16, leaving up to 120,000 children temporarily without education, UNICEF said yesterday.    

“Education is a lifeline for children going through the trauma of chaos and destruction,” said Grant Leaity, UNICEF Representative in Ecuador. “It helps give them a daily routine and a sense of purpose and puts them on track for psychological recovery.” 

UNICEF is supporting the government's efforts to get children back to learning, particularly in the worst affected areas of Muisne, Pedernales, Jama, and some parts of Portoviejo, Manta and Chone. UNICEF will install 50 temporary learning spaces for 20,000 children and distribute 700 school in a box kits with school supplies to benefit 60,000 children. 

While aid and government agencies are still assessing the full extent of the damage, initial estimates indicate that nearly 2,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed and some 30,000 people are staying in shelters. Fear of aftershocks is pushing people to sleep outdoors, exposed to the heavy rains which are common during this season.  

UNICEF and its humanitarian partners need $23 million to respond to children’s immediate needs in water, sanitation, education, child protection, health and nutrition over the next three months.  

Notes for editors:

For further information please contact the Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk