Source: Save The Children
Noa*‘s story
Noa is 11 years old. He lives in a village on the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu with his two parents as well as with his two siblings.
In March 2023, the family was forced to take shelter from back-to-back tropical cyclones – Tropical Cyclone Judy and Tropical Cyclone Kevin.
I stayed with my mother and my father and we hid in one of our house’s rooms. One of the corrugated iron sheets on our roof flew off, so then we had to run and hide in another room in our house.
The tropical cyclones tore off part of the family’s roof and damaged their water tank, resulting in their water supply becoming contaminated with dirt and leaves. The cyclones also severely damaged the local school, putting children at risk of losing out on their education.
Noa*, 11, pictured inside his damaged school following back-to-back tropical cyclones – Judy and Kevin – that hit his Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu. Photo: Damian Mobbs / Save the Children Vanuatu
Noa*, 11, pictured inside his damaged school following back-to-back tropical cyclones – Judy and Kevin – that hit his Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu. Photo: Damian Mobbs / Save the Children Vanuatu
Noa is experiencing the devastating impact of climate change first-hand. His mother, Emele*, is worried that their island nation will become even more vulnerable as the future unfolds.
In the aftermath of the cyclones, Save the Children provided families like Noa’s with the essentials such as water, food, seeds, tools, and household items including blankets.
Emele*, 39, Noa’s* mum, receives a hygiene kit from a Save the Children staff member in Vanuatu in March 2023. Photo: Damian Mobbs / Save the Children Vanuatu
Emele*, 39, Noa’s* mum, receives a hygiene kit from a Save the Children staff member in Vanuatu in March 2023. Photo: Damian Mobbs / Save the Children Vanuatu
In addition, Save the Children set up Child-Friendly spaces where Noa and his siblings can play with other children in a safe environment, keep on learning and regain control of their childhoods.
Every day of the year, Save the Children is working to help children survive, stay safe and keep learning. But we need your help to continue to be there.
