BATAS Foundation in partnerhship with IRW supported monsoon kits to 240 earthquake affected HHs of Chaugada and Kabilash VDC of Nuwakot district. Below we present heart touching story of 10 years old Rakshyak Shrestha.
– Ten years old Rakshyak Shrestha’s was abandoned by his mother one-month post-earthquake, which also devastated his house and livestock. Living currently with his father and stepmother, his face shows the urge of being loved like any other kids.
For Rakshyak and his family managing the day’s food has been a tough call ever since the earthquake. The loss of stored crops to be sowed, buy of seed in high interest rate, limited production due to low rainfall in 2015 along with loss of livestock and agricultural tools has directly impacted the family’s earning.
The meagre earning’s of his father is spent on food and in maintaining temporary shelter. “I feel extremely bad for my son that haven’t been able to provide him good food and clothes after earthquake. Spending some money to buy either umbrella or rain coat and rain boot to make sure Rakshyak goes to school even during monsoon is next to impossible for me. I feel extremely bad when his friends discriminates him because of his shabby appearance ” said Mr. Roshan Shrestha, father of Rakshyak.
Currently studying in grade 3 at Nava Sanjivini School, Rakshyak was delighted to receive umbrella, raincoat and rubber boot as he could attend his school even during rainy days. Rakshyak father is equally happy to receive tarpaulin and raincoat. He is now using the tarpaulin over his leaking roof. Roshan with a gleam in his eyes says, “I was recently down with fever due to working the whole day in my field during rains. I can now use raincoat and rubber boot to work in my field even while it is raining. I am extremely thankful to BATAS and IRW team for supporting and protecting my family to have a dignified life in these hard times.”
The smile on Rakshyak face can be easily seen when he visits transitional learning centre with umbrella/rain coat and rubber boot. During PDM, Rakshayk step member said “this small support of yours will improve our living condition, help us earn our living and above all my son can go to school without the fear of getting sick.”