On September 19, 2021, La Palma experienced the longest and most destructive volcanic eruption on the island since records were kept (in the year 1585). The Cumbre Vieja / Tajogaite eruption lasted for three months and affected more than 7,000 people and 1,241 hectares of land.

Many of the affected families not only lost their homes, but also their main source of income (agriculture, vacation rentals to tourists, etc.). In the devastating first hours of the eruption, entire neighborhoods were buried under the volcanic outflow and families were immediately evacuated without being able to take even their basic belongings with them, as access roads were cut off by the lava. Houses and properties not destroyed by the lava were nevertheless in danger of collapsing as ash piled up on the rooftops, and the land became unsuitable for cultivation due to layers of ash.

Among the evacuated communities were 5 schools that had to be relocated to a new location on the island. The children in these schools not only had to cope with the traumatic events but also had to adapt to a new social environment. Parents and teachers could sometimes provide only limited support during this time, as they themselves were affected by the catastrophe.

OlamAid and the ZWST established partnerships with affected communities, schools, and city administrations, which participated in the project. The primary goal was to support children in coping with their traumatic experiences and adjusting to their new situation. Project activities included psychosocial support training, resource building for local service providers, art therapy, and educational theater workshops for children and young people.