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. 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. Realisation 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 focussed 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.
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 utilised 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 traumatised 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 organisations 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 organise 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.
