The physical and psychological scars of the disaster experienced in Uttarakhand during June are still evident among the villagers affected by it. However, children seem to be exhibiting more psychological after effects of the disaster. It is to redress such problems that Save the Children has established 13 child friendly spaces (CFS) in four disaster-affected districts of Garhwal. School children in disaster affected villages play games, share experiences and indulge in learning activities while their parents work on rebuilding their lives.
At Papra Malla village, which is about two kms climb from the nearest damaged road-head, is one of the 13 villages where Save the Children has established a CFS. After attending classes as part of a temporary arrangement at the government school in nearby Thatyur, the children spend time at the CFS from 2 pm to 6 pm. Volunteer Pinky Kohli said that the 66 children at the CFS in Papra Malla play games, share experiences, eat snacks and study. When this correspondent visited the CFS, he saw the children enjoying carom, skipping rope and behaving in general as kids do. Volunteers point out that sharing experiences and having fun in a carefree environment play an important role in helping children overcome their fears.
Save the Children national manager Devendra Tak said that the draft report of a multi-sectoral assessment undertaken with Plan India and Aide-et-Action will be shared with the Government and civil society organisations on August 14. We have 13 CFS in Rudraprayag, Tehri, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts and this number will increase to 30 by this weekend, with a target of setting 100 such sites in the four districts," he said.