KATHMANDU, Sept 9: The government has directed schools in areas affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa to resume regular classes only after providing psychosocial counseling and ensuring that students are mentally prepared to return to school.
The Education Department under the Ministry of Education and Sports issued a circular to flood-affected local governments and schools, instructing them to assess students’ mental health and provide counseling before restarting regular teaching and learning activities.
The education department’s Planning and Program Division noted that children may be experiencing fear, anxiety, stress and other psychosocial impacts as a result of the natural disaster.
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It said schools should first understand students’ mental and emotional conditions rather than rush to resume formal classes.
The department has asked schools and local governments to coordinate with nearby health facilities and health workers to identify the psychosocial needs of affected children.
Students found to be struggling should be provided with necessary counseling and rehabilitation support. Regular classes should resume only after ensuring that they are emotionally ready to sit in classrooms and participate in learning activities.
The education department also emphasized that schools must operate in a safe and child-friendly environment to minimize the negative impact the disaster may have on students’ learning abilities.
It has directed schools, health institutions and other stakeholders to maintain close coordination and prioritize the educational and psychosocial well-being of children affected by the disaster.
