By Freema Davis | Executive Director
Report from Nepal - Spring 2016
It's not over yet!
Almost 1 year post earthquake disaster, and Nepal is still being bombarded from all sides. The 6-month Indian blockade brought the country to its knees. And it's not over yet. The diesel and gas situation has not fully eased. People are still lining up at the fuel stations and for cooking gas. There is talk that the situation will worsen. On the 28th Kathmandu experienced a sand storm that was so strong and damaging that many quake victims lost their shelters– leaving thousands homeless again!
Peoples' fears and worries have not subsided. In fact, due to the earthquakes, the numerous aftershocks (425 over 4.0 as of April 4th!!) and Indian blockade, Insomnia is becoming chronic in Nepal, according to the New York Times Republica on March 24th. Symptoms of post-traumatic syndrome for children is more difficult to diagnose and, if left untreated it is more likely to cause problems later in life.
To help alleviate the damage to children who are too young to comprehend what is happening, Global Family Village is continuing to reprint and distribute the book Gita and Shyam, The Day the Earth Shook. It is a coloring book with a guide for teachers to help young children (and their parents & teachers) who have experienced the earthquake to understand and cope with their feelings. Equally important the same book helps children to be prepared in the likely event of another massive quake in Nepal. To date, with your help over 70,000 books have been distributed to children in the hardest hit areas. The response to the book has been overwhelmingly positive. Even older children and parents love it. In Falpin, Sindipulchowk, an impoverished area that was very badly hit, children of all ages were sharing just a few coloring books! (see enclosed photo). Wouldn't it be great if it were made available to every young child in Nepal? There are 34,000 Early Childhood Development Centers in Nepal, with about twenty-five 3-5 year olds at each. 850,000 copies will do it!
NEW HOUSE, NEW SCHOOL, NEW HOPE!
At home and back to work for kids in Bungamati.
Our partner in Bungamati, the Cooperative Society of Bungamati has been very busy. Despite incredible setbacks, the new home for the children is almost built. The children of the Bungamati Family House are very proud of their new home. (brick building in the background). The 5 pre-school classrooms are all finished. All the teachers have received extensive follow-up training, headed by Dr. Loren Weybright. Unfortunately, the older children are still waiting for their classrooms.
There has been an outpouring of support for this cultural landmark village. Some major funding has been received for the rebuilding of the ancient temple. But so many individuals lost their livelihoods or use of their houses. The HomeStay program that was helping to support the children's home no longer exists, as all the homes that were being used are partially or totally destroyed.
We are pleased that we could have played some role in the progress that's been made. We remain committed to continue, as you can see there is still great need.
We thank you for your continuing support. Together, we really can make a difference.
Namaste from Freema Davis and the staff and Board of Global Family Village-Nepal
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