Help us rebuild schools in Nepal

Following the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in April and May, thousands of people were

forced to take shelter outside in the army parade ground in Kathmandu, the capital. With schools closed

for more than five weeks, children had nothing to do during the day, and no way to deal with the

trauma that had left thousands of people dead.

We searched for a way to help these children overcome their fear of another earthquake, and came up

with the idea of using art and craft sessions as a kind of therapy. About 250 children, aged 3 to 14,

participated in the sessions from May 22-30 at a temporary learning center on the grounds.

“My family has decided not to go back to our room until after the aftershocks completely stop. Camps

like these give us a sense of normalcy,” Gayatri Singh Thakuri, 12, told a local newspaper. (To read the

story, see the link below.) 

Gayatri’s family, like many others living in tents on the parade ground, had been renting a room before

the quake. These families tended to be migrants who came to Kathmandu in search of work, with few

financial resources.

The children responded very enthusiastically to the arts sessions. More than 10 teachers and volunteers

helped make them possible.

Now that school is back in session across Nepal, thousands of schools are holding class outside because

earthquake damage has left buildings unsafe if not completely destroyed. The rebuilding effort will take

years to complete in a country that already suffered great hurdles in simply providing safe, well-lit

classrooms for students. We are grateful for your support as we contribute to this next phase of

rebuilding after the earthquake.

Links:

• Art therapy sessions for kids