In the aftermath of the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku region, victimized children face an increasing need for help in coping with the death of loved ones, according to an American expert.
"There is a need for people to listen to what (the children) have gone through and for children to be able to play, to still be able to be children," said Donna Schuurman, executive director of the U.S.-based nonprofit organization Dougy Center.
It is important for children "to be able to laugh, to be able to kick a soccer ball and to play with other kids, to be normal in a situation that is really not normal, because you're not at your home and everything has changed in your life," Schuurman said.