Johanna has already been in Karmidanda for 2 weeks and represents WalkAlong on site.
Together with the village dwellers and school workers, we are developing plans to use the numerous donations that have been achieved since the earthquake in April / May 2015 in a meaningful and transparent way.
It is oppressive to see how much damage the earthquake has actually caused, In a few photos we want to describe the situation more vividly. An engineer from the state came to review the situation after the earthquake. The security of the buildings was characterized by a point system.
Green = still usable and safe
Red = no longer usable and unsafe.
In the Shree Nava Vijayee Mahendra Secondary School of Karmidanda, only one building has received a green point: the toilet.
Buildings that are still standing are threatened to collapse and are no longer safe. Where previously a safe roof and stable teaching materials were existing now everything is improvised.
Simple corrugated metal constructions offer the pupils a provisional classroom. The weather conditions make teaching for teachers and students a challenge: In the sunshine it is too hot, in the rain, it is too loud on the sheet and the lack of barrier between the rooms let the noise level of the classes increase enormously.
The library, which was set up in 2013 by Anika and Sebastian, has also been hit hard. Not only the building, but also the land have been classified as a hazardous area. Another building, in which the village’s students and women used to read and study, does not exist anymore.
Director Jitraj is very concerned about the fate of his school and his pupils and he is really relying on our support.
Despite the drama that has been experienced by the children, they are still curious and joyful through the school day.
Primary School
The primary school of the village has also been hardly hit by the earthquake. About 45 children attend this school. Together with the director, the teachers and the School Management Committee, Gopal and Johanna can provide support. With a value of 800 euros we want to equip the students with the necessary teaching material, which were destroyed by the earthquake. This includes learning materials, dictionaries, a table and benches.
The village
The largest part of the houses of the village was destroyed during the earthquake. Families live in provisional built corrugated huts – sleeping camps, diners and living space in one. The state-promised monetary aid of around 2000 dollars has not arrived yet. However, the cost of constructing an earthquake-proof house is estimated to be much more. Many people, living from their own agriculture, cannot afford it. So they are still dependent on donations.
During Johanna’s first week, the children were undertaking exams every day. This means a test every day for a week….no matter the circumstances!
