Children in a World Vision Child-Friendly Space in an earthquake-affected part of Pakistan.
One year after the northern region of Pakistan was rocked by a 7.6-scale earthquake, which killed more than 80,000 people and left millions homeless, World Vision is still in the area helping people rebuild their lives.
In the crucial relief and recovery stage following the October 8 2005 tragedy, World Vision provided food to 95,000 people, and non-food items such as tents, mattresses and blankets to 284,000.
The emergency relief effort was huge but it is vital that World Vision remain in the area for the rebuilding phase, says Graham Strong, World Vision Pakistan’s national director.
”It is important World Vision continues its work in Pakistan. The need for disaster response isn’t over and there are chronic needs that should be addressed,” says Mr Strong.
It is imperative the West remains engaged with Muslims in a respectful and participatory manner, he says, because the need is great.
“This is our opportunity, through development, to be able to have a respectful and peaceful dialogue. It can keep us connected. We build a relationship by addressing the issues of poverty. This is how we’re going to see change.”
World Vision’s success in the region is something to be proud of, Mr Strong says.
“We have moved into recovery work with our livelihoods programmes, rebuilding roads and irrigation systems. Our Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) are still with us and have inspired new programmes giving creative outlets for kids, saving some from dropping out of school and placing others in vocational training,” he says.
World Vision New Zealand’s Amalia Fawcett travelled to Pakistan earlier this year, and says the CFS in particular are vital to the future of those affected by last year’s disaster.
“In CFS, children coping with stress following the earthquake found friendship and support and were able to relax,” says Ms Fawcett.
And Ms Fawcett says in the long term the entire community gains.
“As their needs and ideas develop, these CFS can be used by the communities to continue supporting children right through reconstruction and beyond,” says Ms Fawcett.
New Zealanders contributed more than $714,000 towards World Vision’s Pakistan earthquake appeal, making a huge difference in the lives of people who lost everything.
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