‘School in a box’ for children in Assam flood relief camps

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

Flood-affected children are set to get a “school in a box” in model relief camps across Assam.

More on news:

Rainfall-induced landslides or landslides have killed more people than floods across seven of the eight northeastern States over the last 30 days.

Child-friendly space (CFS) kit:

Such a box or child-friendly space (CFS) kit containing learning materials and other items to ensure the continuity of education will be provided for each of the 167 model relief camps in the State where floods and rainfall-induced landslides have claimed at least 31 human lives since May.
The kit designed by UNICEF for Assam has been around for some time, the new-look box caters to the educational needs of children and teenagers aged 6-18 years.
These resources have at their core the protection of children from harm; the promotion of psychosocial well-being; and the engagement of community and caregiver capacities.
This was done after assessing the psychological impact of displacement on children older than 6 years.
The focus of CHS earlier was on children up to 6 years old.
The ‘school in a box’ concept covers older children and provides for them notebooks, drawing books, pencils and other learning materials to help them overcome the trauma of losing their homes or a parent or a family member.
The training is being conducted at the block and circle levels to equip Anganwadi workers and other grassroots stakeholders with the skill to maintain the education continuity of children in the model relief camps.
Officials are also being trained to run the relief camps smoothly through initiatives such as installing sanitary napkin vending machines with incinerators for women and adolescent girls in the relief camps.

About UNICEF:

UNICEF is a special program of the United Nations (UN) devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.
UNICEF was created in 1946 as International Children’s Emergency Fund (ICEF) by the UN relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.
UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.
The name was shortened to United Nations Children Fund but it is still referred to as UNICEF.
It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989.