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Communities on the Frontline: Week of June 15

Release Date

Around the world, communities are using innovative approaches to support coronavirus (COVID-19) response efforts. Each week, FEMA is highlighting these extraordinary efforts so that other others can learn from and expand on them. This week focuses on unique ways communities are educating children about COVID-19.

“COVID-19! How Can I Protect Myself and Others?”

The Smithsonian Institution is collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) to develop an educational tool for young people that blends inquiry-based science, social and emotional learning and civic engagement. The guide, "COVID-19! How can I protect myself and others?", lets youth participate in seven activities which explore the global impact of COVID-19, demonstrate safe practices, teaches methods to research more information about COVID-19 and aids in understanding scientific evidence.

 "Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine: Overcoming COVID-19"

Harvard University partnered with the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and the University of Arizona Native Nations Institute to launch a COVID-19 resources toolbox for tribal nations. One featured resource is a children's book called "Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine: Overcoming COVID-19." The book aims to educate children in tribal nations about COVID-19 and provides coping strategies.

“We’re Going to Be O.K.”

Two physicians wrote a children's book to inform and empower children who are living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted to children between the ages of 5 to 9 years old, the book authors were purposeful in representing communities of color in the illustrations. "We're Going to be O.K." follows the story of a young African American protagonist as he learns about the change COVID-19 will bring to his life and how to cope with grief and stress. The book is available for free download.

 

“From My Window: Children at Home During COVID-19"

The United Nations (UN) released a book called "From My Window: Children at Home During COVID-19" which incorporates the direct perspectives of children from around the world. The book shares children's experiences on how their communities are taking care of each other and keeping vulnerable family members safe. The book aims to help children overcome the uncertainties of the pandemic by being creative, staying positive, spreading kindness, and taking precautions to stay healthy.

 

Grover from Sesame Street on Coping During COVID-19

Grover from Sesame Street joined TV news hosts in talking directly to children about the importance of wearing masks, how to stay connected with friends, and how to cope with negative emotions related to the pandemic. An audio version with a transcript of the conversation can be found here.

These stories are part of the FEMA Best Practice initiative, which focuses on compiling the best practices and lessons learned from communities fighting COVID-19.  To see more stories like this, visit the Best Practices page. For more information on how to help during COVID-19, visit FEMA’s website for information on donations and volunteering.

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