The lives of children in Nepal changed dramatically when the first of two major earthquakes struck the nation just six months ago. The April earthquake impacted the lives of millions of children, and their stability and normal life was shaken to the core. In any disaster children are the most vulnerable, and in this particular disaster children were among the greatest victims.
From a lack of safe temporary schools to increased child protection concerns, children continue to face challenges — particularly girls and those from marginalized groups.
The earthquakes devastated the education system in Nepal; 35,000 classrooms destroyed is a massive loss to the country, and thousands of children are left unable to study in a safe, permanent school. We need to get that back on track as soon as possible, as children continue to study in open spaces and in cracked buildings deemed unsafe by the government. “Back-to-school” campaigning requires not just community awareness, but also a safe school for children to continue their studies.
About the author
Mattias Bryneson
Mattias Bryneson joined Plan International Nepal as country director in July 2013. Immediately prior to his role, Mattias worked as the program support manager with Plan International in Uganda, where he was responsible for managing a diversified program portfolio across four key districts. Since April 2015, Mattias has managed a team of more than 300 staff, leading on Plan International’s emergency response in Nepal in the aftermath of the April and May earthquakes.