The earthquake that struck northwest Pakistan and Kashmir on 8 October 2005 had a devastating effect on most people living in the region. 87,000 people died and an estimated 3 million were displaced. Daily updates from the media and the many appeals by charities for people to make a contribution to the relief effort, have led many people to imagine how those who have been affected are coping and how best to offer them assistance.
Those who were displaced are in remote locations that are difficult to access. The basics that are required to survive are in short supply. Many of those affected have lost family members or have been witness to scenes that require emotions to be buried and a great deal of resolve, and conditions are predicted to worsen. Without question there are a number of difficulties that need to be overcome.
Ockenden International has worked in Pakistan for 20 years implementing a number of programs to assist Afghans in refugee camps. Our expertise in helping displaced people has allowed us to respond quickly and address some of the problems faced by those displaced by the earthquake.
Initially, the humanitarian response focused on critical relief - ensuring survival and providing shelter and food. As a development agency, rather than a relief agency, we provided what we could, including tents and floor mats given our limitations but turned our attentions to providing support that would allow people to establish a degree of normality to every day life.
Our team in Pakistan spoke to a number of the people affected and found that many families were finding it hard to look after their children at the same time as trying to rebuild homes and find work. Many of the children in the earthquake zone were of school age and Ockenden immediately recognised that by providing schools we would be able to reduce the amount of disruption to schooling whilst simultaneously giving parents some time to relax and think about reconstruction.
At the present time we have established 7-tented schools that have catered for a total of 850 students. We intend to establish a further 100 schools in AJK and Mandehra district. These schools provide primary level education and a degree of stability for pupils who are likely to be suffering great trauma as a result of the earthquake and subsequent displacement.
In a short paper, Graham Wood, Head of Policy, provides further information about the benefits and need for education in the aftermath of emergencies.
Ockenden hopes to continue its work with those affected by the earthquake; however, there are many difficulties that still need to be overcome. Conditions in the region are worsening and the ability to provide assistance is becoming more difficult. Some organisations are leaving the region and there is a concern that donor priorities may move away from the area, reducing the amount of money available to tackle the situation.
