Rain and Riots

(*From Compassion International)

Peru UPDATE: Feb. 28, 2008 - The heavy rains plaguing the northwestern region of Peru have damaged the homes of several Compassion-assisted children. In order to assess the needs of all the Compassion-assisted families in the affected areas, field-based facilitators are visiting each of the homes of the sponsored children.The regions of Chiclayo and Piura are under a government-declared state of emergency. Please pray for the health, safety and provision of Compassion staff, families and children in Peru.

On Feb. 25, two Compassion-assisted child development centers, Ayudando a Sonreir, Ayudas Student Center (PE-331) and Perlas de Gran Preciou Student Center (PE-377), have been damaged as a result of prolonged, intense rains in Piura on Peru’s northern coast.

The overflow of water from the rivers has damaged the homes of several Compassion children, while the rains have collapsed several roofs. The entire area maintains at heightened alert due to the rains and flooding.Compassion Peru is waiting to receive information regarding child development centers hindered by damaged infrastructure and power outages.

Kenya UPDATE: Feb. 26, 2008 - The affected Compassion child development centers previously mentioned have enjoyed a time of calm recently. Though tension remains high in some areas, centers are now accessible and activities have resumed.However, parents of Compassion-assisted children are still hesitant to send their children to the centers, so attendance is relatively low. The ramifications of the violence are deeply felt by the children.Compassion Kenya is steadily decreasing relief interventions, as Kenyans begin to settle back into their normal routines and lives.Currently, Compassion is offering disaster response training and equipment for affected child development centers, as well as providing post-trauma counseling for children and families in all the affected centers.

Reconstruction on houses, churches and classrooms is also in progress.Chief mediator, Kofi Annan, has stated that Kenyans could soon realize short-term solutions to current political crisis in the country. He has indicated that progress is being made following the talks to resolve the political stalemate.Compassion Kenya (and Compassion Peru) will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Compassion International will contact you directly if your sponsored child has been affected.

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