On 8 October 200,5 an earthquake devastated
parts of northern Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. In Pakistan it is estimated
that more than 87,000 people have died, with many more injured and displaced;
the death toll is likely to increase.
The relief effort to assist those affected
by the devastating earthquake is ongoing. However, the assistance that
is now required differs from that provided by NGOs and national governments
in the immediate aftermath.
The initial humanitarian response was directed at rescuing survivors and finding shelter for those people that had lost their homes. Entire villages and towns were destroyed leaving people without access to shelter, possessions, clothing and food.
Now, as the focus shifts from survival to re-establishing people's lives, Ockenden International is well placed to utilise its expertise and contribute to the long-term rebuilding of damaged communities.
At Ockenden, we believe that emergency education for earthquake victims should now become a primary focus of our work. UNICEF estimates that nearly one million children of school age have been affected by the disaster and that 4,000 schools need to be rebuilt.
The horror and trauma associated with experiencing such an event can have serious consequences for children, putting them at risk of suffering psychological problems and harming their morale. Fear of aftershocks, the dark and grief are common problems that we have identified and want to tackle in order to assist the recovery of survivors.
Alongside setting up of temporary schools, Ockenden hopes to train a large number of teachers to deliver high-level, practical and appropriate education and effectively deal with the psychological trauma that many of the children are suffering.
We will provide employment for a number of adults who will contribute to the sustainability of the education sector in Pakistan while providing them with an income to earn their livelihoods.
Below is link to a case study of a mother and daughter who survived the earthquake. It is a descriptive and emotional account of the experience, providing an insight in to the struggles that many people find themselves in.
Another link directs you to the diary of a recent visit by an Ockenden team member to the affected region. An honest and detailed account, this highlights the varied challenges facing relief work in the area.
Both of the above are expanded on, and priorities highlighted, in an article by Ockenden's Senior Programme Support Officer, Rachel Mackintosh.