Safe Play Area, Cadre Kamariah and her students.

In Aceh, Save the Children established 64 "Safe Play Areas" (SPAs) for children to play, interact and recover from trauma of the earthquake and tsunami.  Approximately 6,247 children access these recreational areas.  SPAs have not only provided space for children to play, but they have also been equipped with children's kits, containing books, traditional games and toys, and craft supplies.

In coordination with the local government officials, the Department of Social Affairs, parents and children, Save the Children handed over 64 SPAs to the communities.  In total, 384 SPA cadres were trained — equipped with the skills to work with young people and continue advocating for their rights. 

While many communities have already started expanding activities offered at SPAs, such as dancing, learning traditional music and hosting community meetings, several cadres, like Ibu Kamariah from Pasilhok Village, have been empowered to continue conducting activities with youth. 

Kamariah was a SPA cadre for one and a half years.  Now she is running her own preschool and kindergarten for neighborhood children out of her home.  Monday through Friday, 26 children between the ages of 2 and 5 years arrive at Kamariah's house ready to learn and play.  Kamariah shared what a pleasure it is to teach these children, "They share so many stories with me and open my imagination. Children think of things adults just can't think of. Their character is so honest!" 

Working as a SPA cadre was Kamariah's first time interacting with children and credits this experience as an eye opening opportunity, "I learned how to communicate with children and how to really connect with them." Now Kamariah is a leader in her community, helping friends and neighbors open their own certified Early Childhood Development centers.  In a community that previously did not have educational opportunities for children under 5, Kamariah is excited and hopeful about the beginning of a new trend.