Written by Prachi Aryal

For 6-year-old Suprima, her red, flower-patterned pillowcase is the only reminder of her home, which was destroyed in the November 3rd earthquake that shook Jajarkot. That night, Suprima was at home with her mother, Shikha (22), and younger brother, Suwash (5), when the earthquake struck. The tremors were so powerful that their house collapsed, trapping the family under the rubble.

Suprima, and her brother, who has multiple disabilities, were stuck under the debris for over two hours until their mother managed to rescue them alone, as their father was away for work. Life had always been a struggle for Suprima's family. Her father’s constant search for work left the family without stable income, and the earthquake only made their situation more dire. With mounting medical expenses for Suwash and scarce resources, even putting food on the table became a challenge. Shikha says, “One reason I want Suprima to go to school is that it ensures she gets at least one meal a day, as part of the ‘diwa khaja’ (afternoon school meal) program.”

As winter approached, the family’s plight deepened. Save the Children, through its partner organization Panchtara Yuwa Samrakshyak Manch (PTYSM), provided them with a cash voucher for winterization support worth 15,000 NPR.

Shikha recalls, “When I found out I could choose from 38 items, I made sure to get everything we needed to keep my children warm.” She was able to get blankets, a quilt, a mattress, a thermos, and warm clothes for her family. Shikha was pleasantly surprised to find that they also received hygiene materials and educational support for Suprima. “Before, I couldn’t afford to keep the kids' clothes clean, but now I have soap, detergent, and other cleaning supplies. It’s been a huge relief.”

Suprima, beaming with her new school bag, says, “I like going to school and being with my friends.” Despite the earthquake’s hardships, Shikha finds hope in the small improvements. “With our temporary shelter, Suprima’s schooling, and the resources we have, I believe we can slowly rebuild stronger,” she says with optimism.


Aryal is the Digital Media Coordinator at Save the Children.