Emergency Relief for Super Typhoon Haiyan Victims

In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan International Medical Corps has remained in the Philippines to ensure that its ongoing support for local communities has a lasting impact. One key area of focus is mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), a critically needed response both immediately following a natural disaster such as Typhoon Haiyan and as part of a longer term initiative to help move local communities back to self-reliance. The following is an excellent example of one of International Medical Corps’ current MHPSS programs.

Michaela, 15, is a 9^th grade student of Alangalang National High School where International Medical Corps’ MHPSS program had its first school awareness-raising event on September 25^th 2014. Community awareness-raising activities aim to educate the public on mental health issues and concerns. Within the 17 municipalities with MHPSS programs, International Medical Corps has led community awareness-raising activities with local health workers, child daycare  officers, community health team members, community captains or leaders, as part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (which is a national government program providing financial assistance to its beneficiaries), and with high school students and members of faith-based organizations. More than 9,500 people have attended and participated in International Medical Corps’ community awareness-raising activities.

Out of 469 students present for the Alangalang National High School event, Michaela caught the attention of Reggie, the community outreach officer seated right next to her. Michaela started opening up to Reggie about her personal experiences with being bullied. Michaela told her that she had not been able to open up to anyone before about this experience but she would like to have someone to talk to. They exchanged phone numbers in case Michaela wanted to contact Reggie for any reason. The night after the event, Reggie received a text message from Michaela saying that she was thankful for their short conversation.

Michaela described  herself as being tall, brown and having a lot of hair on her body. She shared that her classmates have often bullied her, calling her ‘unggoy’ (monkey), and that she has avoided dealing directly with this situation. She expressed feeling a lack of confidence and a preference to take public transportation to school rather than walk the short distance because her classmates call her names when she walks on the street. Michaela also stated that at times she does not attend school because of being bullied and frequently hears the students’ taunting voices over and over again in her head. These experiences have made her feel ashamed.

Community awareness-raising activities not only bring information and education on mental health topics to individuals but also increase awareness about community and individual concerns affecting many community members. After the presentation, Michaela realized that she was a victim of bullying. She also realized that she was not the only one experiencing this. Michaela had never informed her teachers or parents about this prior to the presentation.

International Medical Corps’ community outreach officers, Allyssa and Reggie, went back to the school on December 11^th to check on her. The community outreach officers coordinated their visit with the school officials and were referred to Michaela’s class advisor , Lalaine. Lalaine had no idea about Michaela’s bullying experience and was concerned to hear about it. She accompanied the community outreach officers when they visited Michaela at her home.

Michaela and her family live in a newly built house because the previous one was damaged by Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. She quickly recognized Reggie when seeing her outside near the family’s well. She initially reacted shyly but shared a warm smile. The community outreach officers said they were there to check in with her and ask her about any lessons learned from the school event. Her advisor also joined in.

Michaela assured them that she could still remember what she learned from the awareness-raising event, especially on the topic of school bullying and stigmatization. She could not hold back her tears when talking about this. As Lalaine listened to what Michaela had to say, she expressed feeling surprised at never having heard about it from Michaela previously. They both expressed appreciation for the community awareness-raising activity as it shed light on this difficult issue and made it possible to address it productively.

During the community outreach officers’ conversation with Michaela, she said this event helped her a lot. It is undeniable that bullying is affecting students like her emotionally and socially. After the discussion, she had a better understanding of why teenagers bully others and how to cope if one is a victim. Michaela now spends a lot of time with friends who help her ignore the mean comments and remember that she is unique and special. There is nothing wrong with her just because she is different. Lalaine also helped put a stop to those bullying Michaela by talking with them and encouraged Michaela to talk with her openly about her feelings and school experiences. All of these changes were triggered by the school event and are an important example of the impact the generous giving of GlobalGiving and other donors can have. With your support International Medical Corps can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by Typhoon Haiyan as they rebuild and improve their lives.