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Overview and Issues
In the aftermath of a tragedy
of the enormity of the tsunami, children are clearly an especially
vulnerable group. Their comparative lack of life experience
and restricted repertoire of coping mechanisms makes it much
more difficult for them to come to terms emotionally with
the trauma caused by the tsunami, and they can also find it
difficult to open up and discuss their feelings with others.
During the tsunami, 299 children lost their fathers, 286 lost
their mothers and 83 lost both parents. A further 14 children
lost their foster parents. In coming to terms with the psychological
impact of such losses, these children also have to adapt to
changed circumstances, such as a father who has become their
sole care-giver, a mother newly burdened with livelihood responsibilities,
or even foster parents. Many schools were destroyed or damaged
by the tsunami, and so in many cases it is difficult for children
in the tsunami-affected provinces to receive a normal education.
Even where facilities and equipment remain intact, families
affected by the tsunami are often less able to support their
children's educations either financially or practically.
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