Prem CN, 20, Chairperson of Cheers Nepal, a young people led organization connecting people through diverse programs, talks about how each youth, by doing what s/he knows best, can contribute in the rebuilding process. "Since rebuilding is not just about reconstructing the physical structures that have been damaged by the earthquake, we must also work to ensure psychological wellbeing of the people. For this, youth can work in any way they like. I have seen young people conducting psychological therapy or motivational sessions for people who haven't been able to come out of the mental trauma caused by the disaster. And I think it's really helpful," he opines.
Similar is the opinion of Pranjali Singh, Program Coordinator at Nepal Children's Art Museum. They have been organizing art therapy sessions to help children let out their fears and any other emotions related to the tremor.
"We realized that people were scared and since we had been working on children for quite a long time, we thought about ways to help them overcome the fear. We've been going to makeshift camps and schools, playing interactive games and doing therapy sessions. We have also been doing 'sensitive art making' where we give some materials to the children and ask them to build upon it. It helps them to let out their fears and happiness," she explains.
Pranjali also sees the current time as an opportunity for young people. She says, "This is the time for them to make full use of their creative faculty. Especially those with a knack for construction, like say engineers, can come up with efficient construction solutions and maybe start a venture of their own. By taking up innovative ventures as such, they can help the nation on one hand, and on the other, they can generate some income—both of which directly contribute to the rebuilding process. It's a win-win situation both ways."
A campaigner for Bibeksheel Nepali, a rising youth-led political force in Nepal, Sadhana Rai believes that youth first need to be ready themselves in order to work towards rebuilding the nation.
"First, we have to ready and aware ourselves. We need to learn from our history and try not to repeat the mistakes. I think it's also important to remind the leaders the promises they made to us," she says.
SOME HURDLES
Rebuilding a nation is a big project, and it goes without saying that there are lots of hurdles associated with it.
Pavitra Gautam of Karkhana, an education company with a unique approach to learning, talks about how cynicism may end up being our biggest hurdle. "I feel that we've always been cynical. We know that nobody's
perfect but we still do not give them a chance to make mistakes. So, we shy away from giving out opportunities," he says.
Nivida Lamichhane, Communications Manager at Abari, a firm that specializes in mud and bamboo construction, says, "Monsoon is coming soon. With more than 10% of Kathmandu living under tents and 80% of the affected districts following the same pattern, the rain will act as a curse on us. That I believe will be our immediate hurdle."
She adds, "I recently had a chat with Govinda Pokharel, Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission. He suggested that Nepal does not have funds to rebuild the nation and we need investment. Be it in the form of donations, foreign direct investment, or loans. And one of the most important things that many may not have thought of is the economy. The country was literally shut for almost a month and more, and we didn't make a single penny while half of the nation lay in grief over losing all that they had. When there's so much being spent on relief and rebuilding, we haven't earned 10% of the total amount we used."
And the government?
Pranjali says, "So far, I think we have been doing a good job, and we did not need the government to tell us what to do. And I see youth aware and supportive without any government intervention."
Pavitra observes that the government wasn't prepared for a crisis like this and that it's not fair to expect a lot from the government. "This is the time to stop being cynical and collaborate with the government to help rebuild the nation."
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