A Spanish early childhood educator living in Tauranga is raising money for pre-schoolers affected by her home country’s worst natural disaster in modern history.

More than 220 people died in flooding caused by a massive storm that hit Valencia in the last week of October. Eighty people are still missing, thousands have lost their homes and two weeks on, streets in many areas are still covered in mud and debris.

Arataki resident Nerea Aller, who has been living in New Zealand for six years, is from northern Spain but visited the devastated eastern region just two months ago.

“I have friends there and I know teachers in some of the early childhood centres,” said Aller.

Inside early childhood centres in Valencia that are badly damaged by the floods. Photo: supplied.

Survival mode

Her ties to Valencia inspired her to help three ECE centres and their families.

“They’re in survival mode over there,” said Aller. “Water smashed everything against the walls; baby cots are broken and toys are under mud.

“The schools are mostly on ground level and the floods reached up to the first floor of the buildings. Cars were like boats, floating away. Some people feel positive, but others are crying about what they’ve lost, so I want to do something for them.”

Inside early childhood centres in Valencia that are badly damaged by the floods. Photo: supplied.

Aller is the founder of online holistic childcare resource, Manawa Education, and has already raised $2000 through her blog. She’s now appealing to Bay of Plenty businesses in her adopted community to help put on an event to raise more.

“It touches my heart to see so many families affected in my home country,” said Aller. “As a professional in this industry, I know that it’s not just about the childhood centre, it’s about the community and the relationships it creates.

“The disaster has caused tension for these families and added to that, the safe space that they leave their children every day is gone. They’ve lost that routine and the safety but we can help them rebuild.”

Inside early childhood centres in Valencia that are badly damaged by the floods. Photo: supplied.

Full moon concert

Those keen can show their support for those affected by the Valencia disaster by attending a full moon concert from 5.30pm on Sunday, November 17 at The Barn, Mount Maunganui.

Anyone willing to donate services to the fundraiser can email Nerea Aller at nerealler@gmail.com

To donate directly to the Valencia appeal, visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ece-dana-valencia