Peace & Healing for Child Victims of Flash Floods in Pidie Jaya: Restoring Trauma, Safeguarding the Future of a Generation
Peacegen.id - Sunday, December 21, 2025, became a deeply meaningful day for the children of Rhieng Mancang Village, Meureudu District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh. Amidst the lingering trauma caused by the flash floods that recently struck the region, a Peace & Healing initiative was held as a humanitarian effort to heal the psychological wounds of children affected by the disaster.
The flash floods did more than just damage homes and public facilities; they left deep emotional scars, particularly for children. Excessive fear when it rains, difficulty sleeping, and behavioral changes are common symptoms observed among the children of Rhieng Mancang Village. These conditions highlight that the impact of a disaster does not stop at physical destruction.
Baca juga: Webinar Literasi Digital: Resolusi 2026: Penguatan Peran Guru Menuju Digital Safe School
The activities used a participatory, child-friendly approach. Children were invited to play together, draw, sing, tell stories, and participate in various educational games designed to help them express their emotions healthily. Laughter slowly replaced anxiety, and a warm atmosphere blossomed between the children and the volunteers.
The activity coordinator explained that Peace & Healing is not just entertainment but part of a long-term recovery process. “Children are the most vulnerable group in disaster situations. If trauma is not addressed early, it can have a long-term impact on their development. Through this activity, we want to provide a sense of security and hope,” they stated.
Beyond creative activities, facilitators integrated values of peace, empathy, and togetherness. Children were encouraged to support one another, share stories, and rebuild their self-confidence. This approach is expected to foster psychological resilience in facing difficult situations.
Nyanyak Marawan Putri, Treasurer of Peace Generation Aceh, explained that this activity is a strategic step to save the younger generation from long-term trauma while serving as an act of humanitarian solidarity funded by various donors.
Baca juga: JISRA Cross-Country Learning: Reviving Human Values Through History and Culture
She added that the context of disasters in Meureudu, Pidie Jaya, cannot be separated from the past experiences of the local community.
“Looking back, the Meureudu area experienced a major earthquake in 2016. This means that, perhaps unconsciously, the community lives with layered trauma and persistent fear. Children are the most vulnerable because they are growing up in this environment,” Nyanyak explained.
Angelica Herlinata, a facilitator from Peace Generation Aceh, noted a visible shift in the children's moods. “At the beginning, some children seemed quiet and afraid to interact. However, after being invited to play and create together, they began to laugh and express themselves. This shows that children simply need a safe space and an empathetic presence,” said Angelica.
At the end of the event, volunteers distributed school supplies and drawing kits as symbols of enduring hope. The children were asked to draw things that make them happy and their future goals. Their drawings depicted dreams of safe homes, fun schools, and a peaceful life.
Through this initiative in Rhieng Mancang Village, Peace Generation Aceh reaffirms that post-disaster recovery must focus on more than just physical infrastructure; it must prioritize the healing of the soul. Mental health in children is the vital foundation for a community’s rebirth.
This activity serves as a powerful message: even in the face of disasters and layered trauma, solidarity, empathy, and peace can still flourish and become the foundation for the recovery of the Pidie Jaya community.
