Article 25 launches appeal to rebuild Nepal’s schools
Article 25 launches appeal to rebuild Nepal’s schools
Architecture charity Article 25 has launched an appeal to fund long-term school reconstruction work in Nepal which was hit by a devastating earthquake at the weekend.
More than 3,700 people died and 100,000 were left homeless after the 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck on Saturday, shattering the capital and many other towns and villages across the country. Many schools have been reduced to rubble.
The Nepal Reconstruction Appeal: Building Schools – Changing Lives will fund a long-term programme with local partners, starting with an extensive needs assessment of the educational infrastructure across Nepal. Informed by this it will design schools that will withstand the next earthquake and prevent another disaster, said Robin Cross, Article 25’s managing director.
In the wake of a catastrophic disaster, returning to school as soon as possible is crucial, he added. It brings back normality following traumatic experiences and creates more time for parents to start rebuilding.
Article 25, which was in the process of preparing a programme of earthquake-resistant school construction when the earthquake struck, has experience working in earthquakes-resistant reconstruction in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Haiti.
“When the buildings fail, the social the social and economic life they support also fail,” said Cross. “We can’t prevent earthquakes, but we can mitigate their impact. Well-constructed buildings can make the difference between many thousands of deaths and zero deaths.
“Once the immediate emergency response effort has been implemented, the developed economies must support a long-term programme of reconstruction to provide the people of Nepal with buildings that are sturdy and reduce the impact of future climate events.
“Article 25 can mobilise design and construction skills from the UK and put them to work where they will make the greatest difference.”
To donate to the Nepal Reconstruction Appeal visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/a25nepal or text “NEPA25” followed by your donation, to 70070. (eg NEPA25 £10)