Unicef in the Philippines: ready when disaster strikes

Leg 5: The Asia-Pacific Challenge sees the fleet head back north, crossing the Equator for the second time in the race and travelling through the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines.

In November 2013 Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, devastating families and communities. More than 6,000 people were killed and the lives of almost 6 million children were turned upside down.

The race’s official charity Unicef, is on the ground in the Philippines helping to make sure children are better prepared when the next disaster strikes.

Unicef provides emergency workshops for children in disaster-prone areas of the Philippines, so they know what to do when a typhoon, earthquake or tsunami strikes. This knowledge improves children’s survival chances, helps them cope and reduces the psychological impact of disaster. The workshops also boost children’s understanding of climate change and how they can care for the environment.

Gradually, children like Maria, pictured above with her friend Michael, are getting their lives back on track. “Now I feel happy… not like before,” she says. “After Typhoon Haiyan the people were scared and traumatised.”

Watch the video about Unicef’s work in the Philippines here.

Unicef works to keep children safe in more than 190 countries around the world.

Fundraising makes a big difference for children around the world, and together we can achieve more to help Unicef’s work for children in danger and reach our £300,000 target.

There are many opportunities to support Clipper Race Team fundraising and all funds raised will contribute to each team’s JustGiving fundraising totals. You can donate by clicking here.

Unicef has created an inspiring video about its participation in the race and the amazing crew supporting the campaign through their race adventure.

To view and share, click here.

Photo credit: © UNICEF/Philippines14/Balasundaram