PYUTHAN, Aug 22: Although most of the schools in Pyuthan district reopened in mid-August after the end of monsoon vacation, classes have not resumed properly in lack of students. Children from villages hit by floods and landslides are still reluctant to go to school.

Along with human causalities, floods and landslides have destroyed many homes in the district, displacing many families. Due to the devastation suffered by them, the displaced children have lost interest in their studies.

"Many children are forced to live in temporary shelters along with their parents. Some have even lost their parents," said Yadav Khanal, children's Rights Officer of Pyuthan-based District Children's Welfare Committee (CWC). 

As per the data of CWC, the massive landslides that occurred on July 24 and 26 have affected as many as 955 children. "As of now, they are too traumatized to think of studies," added Khanal.

Majority of the affected children are from Phopli VDC, which is said to be worst-hit by floods and landslides. As many as 311 children have been affected in the VDC alone. Children from the age group of 6-15 have been affected the most, according to CWC. Additionally, the monsoon-induced disasters have caused damages to dozens of schools in the district. According to District Education Office, Pyuthan, floods and landslides have caused damages to 102 classrooms of about 65 schools. Among them, 13 schools have been destroyed completely while about 52 others have suffered partial damage.
Many schools are not fit for conducting classes as they might collapse anytime. 

Gairimuki High School, Baishmul Primary School, and Saraswati Primary School of Arkha, Janata Primary School, Khung, Laliguras Primary School, Rajbara, Shiddha High School, Jumrikanda, Satya High School, Tushara, Bhuwaneshwari Primary School, Tiram, among dozens other schools, have sustained damages to their infrastructure, according to the District Education Office.

District Education Officer Narayan Bhattarai said preparations are underway to repair damaged schools. "We will also distribute education materials to the displaced students and provide them counseling to help them overcome the trauma," he added.

 
• pyuthan
 
• disaster-hit