javacat

Were you threatened by protestors and did you experience PTSD after covering 1/6? Also...thank you for documenting that day.

My question is about the Phillippines, but I want to ask it and give you this background story in reference when asking my question...and ask you for help with a previous project that you funded.

I volunteered in Pisco, Peru with Pisco Sin Fronteras and spent time at a Ludoteca that UNICEF had provided funding for (I believe they also established the Ludoteca) after the 2007 earthquake. After Unicef stopped funding Ludoteca, Pisco Sin Fronteras took over, providing $360 a month, which included utilities for the building, teaching supplies for the children, and the wages for Vitalina, a teacher who will teach 40-50 children and provide a safe place for children to play. Ludoteca is currently struggling to stay open as the organization that was to take over from Pisco Sin Fronteras (which was an off shoot of Burners Without Borders and ended operations in January 2013) was not fully established and withdrew their offer of support.

When Unicef establishes programs like this in the Phillippines in the wake of the Typhoon, for what length of time does Unicef provide the funding for these programs? Would these programs be time-limited based on whether the situation in the Phillippines is recovery based or relief based? When the immediate disaster is over, does Unicef stay to help the children? Or do they end their support and move on to a different disaster?

Also...since I have your attention, is there a way that Unicef might reconsider funding Ludoteca? This is a link to show you the Ludoteca I volunteered at. A former administrator from Pisco Sin Fronteras (who is volunteering in Mexico at this time) has been trying to find a different NGO to take over helping Ludoteca. Perhaps if you can find a moment you might be willing to speak with her and help her find another organization willing to continue the good work that Unicef started?

They only need $360 a month to provide services to the children in that area of Pisco. I personally ran a fundraiser earlier this year and raised more than our goal. The amount I raised covered three months of pay for Vitalina and the utilities, which were in arrears. However, the money that was raised only covered expenses through August.

Thank you for everything you and Unicef have done and continue to do.

Thank you for being environmentally/politically/world aware and active in helping others see and become aware of things/events we may not otherwise have. I know you are here to promote this film, but are there other projects that you have in the works? Also, are there subjects you wish the public were more aware/educated about and if so, what would those subjects be?

P.S. I have watched much of your work and want to say I find you to be very inspiring. Thank you for your passion for your work and for making this world a better place.