Girls and Youth Leaders Build Climate and Disaster Readiness in Leyte

The Philippines ranks first globally in both overall disaster risk and storm risk, according to the 2026 WorldRiskReport. For girls in disaster-prone communities like Leyte, these risks extend beyond physical destruction. Disasters can interrupt their education, separate them from trusted support networks, and limit access to safe spaces for play and learning. For girls already facing poverty or unsafe living conditions, these disruptions can heighten protection risks and make returning to learning more difficult.

In response, FundLife International is connecting disaster preparedness with sport and leadership, giving girls and young people practical opportunities to recognise risks, build confidence and contribute to safer communities.

Since August 2026, FundLife has delivered 25 sessions totalling 50 hours of play, disaster preparedness education and leadership development through Futsal for Development and youth leadership workshops across Dulag and Tacloban.

Turning Play into Practical Learning

Around 200 children and young people, from elementary pupils to college students, have participated in activities combining play and sport with disaster preparedness and climate resilience education.

Led by FundLife's youth mentors and coaches, the sessions introduce age-appropriate topics, from identifying hazards and preparing emergency go-bags to community hazard mapping, emergency response responsibilities and youth-led climate action.

Girls have taken active roles in these activities, captaining teams, identifying community risks and presenting preparedness plans. Beyond gaining knowledge, these experiences provide opportunities to practise decision-making, communication and leadership alongside their peers.

Building on these efforts, 35 student leaders from Rawis Elementary School, Cabacungan National High School and Dulag National High School have joined FundLife's Empowering Youth Leadership Workshop since September.

Through practical sessions on first aid, emergency care, environmental stewardship and peer education, participants are developing skills they can apply in everyday situations and share with classmates and their communities.

Building Confidence and Strengthening Girls' Participation

These activities address more than the need for disaster awareness. They create opportunities for girls to build practical skills, stay connected with peers, and participate in discussions about their safety.

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Learning to recognise hazards supports informed decision-making, while first aid and preparedness activities introduce practical ways to respond to emergencies. Team-based challenges and leadership roles also encourage girls to speak up, collaborate and take responsibility.

By combining these learning opportunities with regular access to supportive spaces for play and education, FundLife is working to strengthen girls' confidence, preparedness and meaningful participation in their communities.

Together with partner schools and local stakeholders, FundLife continues to create opportunities for girls and young people to learn, lead and contribute to safer communities.

Stand With Girls

Disasters should never take away a girl's opportunity to feel safe, continue learning, enjoy play or pursue her dreams.

Through #StandWithGirls, FundLife calls on schools, communities and partners to protect girls' rights, amplify their voices and invest in opportunities that help them thrive.

Stand with girls. Protect their right to play, learn, and lead.

Support FundLife through GlobalGiving to help expand safe learning spaces, practical education, and leadership opportunities for girls in the Philippines.