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Dead: 30,974, Missing: 4,698, Displaced: 553,287
Homes Destroyed: 99,000, Estimated Damage in Dollars: $1 billion
SRI LANKA: The Challenge after the Tsunami: Getting the Children back to School in Sri Lanka
A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission
Images of Tsunami Sites
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THESE SAD TIMES |
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UNITE WITH US! TO HELP THE CHILDREN OF SRI LANKA |
THESE SAD TIMES |
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IN THESE SAD TIMES A MOTHER CRIES FOR HER CHILDREN LOST IN THE TSUNAMI |
THE CHILDREN IN NEED
In recent days, the work carried out by UNICEF
in Sri Lanka to draw attention to the plight of children affected by the tsunami is most laudable and is an example that must
be taken up by others if children are to survive this terrible disaster.
“Terrified children had urinated and defecated
on their clothes. Some couldn’t even speak due to the shock. Our staff became mothers to them".
Hospital staff in Tsunami-hit eastern Sri Lanka speak of their experiences. By M. Aravindan and Sarath Kumara 18 January 2005
For the entire story click on the photo of the crying mother above.
With children constituting over 40% of the dead
in Sri Lanka, those children who have survived, must surely take priority. It is up to Sri Lankan government and world aid
agencies to protect the vulnerable young so that their lives may hold some hope, despite the tragedy they have experienced.
Sri Lankan schools, it is hoped, are to resume classes soon. In areas not directly affected by the tsunamis,
the schools are set to reopen on January 10, while those in affected areas are scheduled to open on January 20. Realization
of this goal, and the serious problems which need to be addressed immediately if it is to be achieved, will require major
resources to be focused on the issue of children's schooling in particular, and that of children in general. Undoubtedly,
few will take objection to giving children priority during the early period of this colossal catastrophe.
The most important issues to be dealt with are: repairing the damage to school buildings or finding alternative
places for children to resume lessons; providing clothing for the children; providing desks and chairs; providing exercise
books, text books, pencils and materials such as white/black boards and marker pens and other necessary equipment required
for children; preparing the children psychologically for their return to school; and providing proper instructions to all
the teachers who will have to deal with the situation with extreme sensitivity, compassion and dignity.
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THESE SAD TIMES |
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UNITE WITH US! TO HELP THE CHILDREN OF SRI LANKA |
THE CHILDREN
WITH NO PARENTS
As for the school buildings
themselves, it is thus far reported that about 200 schools are severely damaged. Apart from this some schools are also being
utilized as camps and shelters for displaced persons. The reports reveal massive destruction of equipment and in some places
there is virtually nothing left. As for necessities such as schoolbooks, clothing and the like, these things have also been
washed away. The trauma for most children of seeing the whole tragedy unfolding, is mixed for many with the loss of parents,
loved ones and family members. Some, it is reported, have lost their entire extended families. As for teachers, they themselves
will naturally be shocked and traumatized by the events.
In dealing with these problems money should not be an issue,
given the huge amounts of aid that is reaching the country. UNICEF itself has pledged to spend over 40 million dollars for
rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts related to children. There are other international organizations that are also focusing
on children that will also bring considerable resources. Apart from this the primary responsibility lies with the Sri Lankan
government when allocating its own resources and in coordinating the distribution of aid that the country is currently receiving
and likely to continue to receive. Thus, the entire effort to assist children and the attempt to get them back to school largely
depends on the decision making by the Government and their implementation of these decisions.
It is here that civil society can play a tremendous role. Already, civil society in Sri Lanka has played a
leading role in dealing with the problems arising from the tsunami. It has shown its capacity for compassion and action. What
is further needed is for civil society to organize itself so as to be able to influence the strategic decisions made relating
to the use of aid for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Civil society must influence the decision-making processes in these
matters and keep a critical eye on the way that leadership is exercised. The key issue of children is an area where civil
society can focus its attention and ensure that proper actions are taken to remedy the many problems. A heavy responsibility
also lies with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka which must contribute towards the larger crisis related to the tsunami
as well as the very basic issue of children.
It should not be said in the future that the children who suffered from the tsunami suffered further due to
the delays in attending to their basic needs, including education. The children of Sri Lanka have endured so much. It is up
to Sri Lanka's government and aid agencies around the world to get these children back to school and give them the future
that they deserve.
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THESE SAD TIMES |
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UNITE WITH US! TO HELP THE CHILDREN OF SRI LANKA |
THE CHILDREN
WITH NO HOME, NO SCHOOL
OR PLAYGROUND TO PLAY
"My hope is that this song will bring a brighter
day, what would you do if your whole world was swept away. God forbid if this was to happen to you or I, your familiy gone,
in a twinkling of an eye" - 2ND lyrics from the song "These Sad Times".
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THESE SAD TIMES |
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UNITE! WITH US TO HELP THE CHILDREN OF SRI LANKA |
IN THESE SAD TIMES A MOTHER
CRIES FOR HER CHILDREN LOST IN THE TSUNAMI
"Father, can you see the tears that I cry, no I'm
not worthy to ask you why, so many innocient die". -
2ND lyrics from the song "These Sad Times".
UNITE AND JOIN US!
TO HELP REBUILD SCHOOLS IN SRI LANKA!
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