KATHMANDU, Nepal (April 25, 2016): World Vision joins the people of Nepal in remembering the one-year anniversary of the April 2015 earthquake – honoring lost loved ones while recognizing the strong community solidarity and support that helped save thousands.
Jennifer MacCann, World Vision’s Response Director in Nepal said, “Moving forward, we strive to build Nepal back better, strengthen partnerships and drive innovation in our recovery work together with earthquake-affected people.”
Overcoming challenges brought by fuel shortages, harsh monsoons and winter seasons, and logistical complexities brought by tough terrain, World Vision has reached nearly 387,000 people over the past year [see video here]. Within 24 hours after the earthquake, World Vision provided life-saving food and emergency essentials, such as tarps, blankets and water purification tablets.
One year on, the aid organization has provided more than 20,000 families with shelter and household items, reached more than 72,000 people by repairing health posts and providing medical supplies and equipment, and provided access to clean water to more than 118,000 people [see photos here]. World Vision continues to integrate gender equity, disaster risk reduction and build back safer initiatives in its programs to strengthen community resilience and further help communities rebuild and thrive with more opportunities in the future.
“As living conditions and access to basic services continue to improve, we remain committed to meet emergency needs, strengthen resilience and self-recovery and restore a sense of safety for earthquake-affected children and their communities. We are hopeful that children and families can rebuild their communities and be ready to pursue meaningful opportunities in the future,” MacCann added.
Working in the worst-hit districts, especially Gorkha, Sindupalchowk, Dhading, Nuwakot and Dolakha, World Vision continues to establish partnerships working alongside humanitarian stakeholders, government and community partners – promoting shared accountability, enhanced local capacities and community participation. The organization is focused on providing opportunities to communities to give them ownership of their recovery.
Looking ahead, World Vision remains committed to serving the earthquake-affected communities, standing side by side with the people in their journey from devastation to recovery and rehabilitation, restoring hope and dignity for hundreds of thousands affected.
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Fast facts: one year later
- Over the past year, World Vision reached nearly 387,000 people (including more than 171,000 children) across the country.
- Food security, livelihood and cash-for-work initiatives benefited more than 165,000 people who received emergency food kits within the first 100 days of the response.
- Nearly 21,000 earthquake-affected families were given shelter and emergency items including tarpaulins, rope, iron roofing sheets, shelter toolkits, blankets, and sleeping mats.
- Health interventions reached more than 72,000 people who benefitted from repairs of health facilities, provision of medical supplies and equipment, clean delivery kits, baby hygiene kits, family and infant winter kits, Women and Young Children Friendly Spaces and health education for mothers and health volunteers.
- Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions served more than 118,000 people providing access to clean water, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, toilet and water system repairs and construction to improve sanitation and hygiene practices in affected communities.
- Nearly 10,000 children benefitted from education programs.
- Construction of 54 temporary learning spaces with water facilities, hand-washing areas and toilets currently serves just over 8,000 children while ongoing school repairs and rehabilitation of classrooms and facilities will further help more than 1,500 school children.
- Thousands of children were also encouraged to stay in school by providing them with school kits and learning materials.
- Hundreds of teachers, volunteers and school management committee members were also trained to provide psychosocial support and uphold children’s rights and well-being.
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.
Highlights
- Organization reached nearly 387,000 people with food, water, and more