We have implemented the Tagana Visits Schools (program) at eleven points. Then, there is also a planting of 10 thousand mangrove trees with childrenJakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs celebrated National Children's Day with children at the evacuation site for earthquake victims in Mekatta Village, Malunda Sub-district, Majene District, West Sulawesi.
Head of the ministry's Directorate of Social Protection for Disaster Victims Iyan Koesmadiana, in a written statement here on Monday, noted that the activities to celebrate National Children's Day had been conducted since July 21.
The ministry facilitated children at the evacuation site to partake in the National Children's Day commemoration event held virtually by the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection on Saturday (July 23).
President Joko Widodo virtually greeted the children affected by the Majene earthquake at the event.
"We have implemented the Tagana Visits Schools (program) at eleven points. Then, there is also a planting of 10 thousand mangrove trees with children," he added.
The Tagana Visits Schools (TMS) program has been implemented in eight elementary schools, one high school, and one Madrasah Tsanawiyah (Islamic junior high school). Koesmadiana stated that the program aims to improve the capacity of children in disaster-prone areas to be ready to face potential disasters in their areas.
Meanwhile, in terms of the health aspect, the directorate cooperated with the Prof. Dr. Soeharso Solo Integrated Center and Pangurangi Takalar Center to provide health services.
"We held mass circumcision, eye and dental check-ups, and also vaccinations for children," Koesmadiana said.
He noted that health check-up services were provided to 41 out of the 450 child quake victims. He added that those, who have not accessed the services, could access them until August 1.
The Ministry of Social Affairs commenced the reconstruction of the Aholeang 28 Elementary School affected by the quake.
In addition, the ministry distributed school supplies to 141 out of the 450 children that have been assessed.
Furthermore, to ensure the fulfilment of civil rights, the directorate also readied services for the making of birth certificates and child identity cards for child disaster victims at the evacuation site.
"A total of 700 children are affected by the earthquake in Majene that become our targets. Thus, we still have a lot of work to do," Koesmadiana stated.
The series of activities for the commemoration of National Children's Day held by the Ministry of Social affairs are being conducted from July 21 to August 1.
National Children's Day is celebrated on July 23 every year in Indonesia.
Translator: Devi Nindy, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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