Children who lost parents show remarkable resilience under kinship foster care: Officials
Seven children lost both their parents in the disaster and two of them have now turned 18.
As the tragedy nears its first anniversary, district child protection officials said five children, who lost both parents, are now under kinship foster care in the houses of close relatives. They have adapted remarkably well to their new realities and are reportedly doing well.
"All five aged between 5 and 16 are attending school and living with close relatives, mostly uncles or aunts.
Since most of them are too young to fully grasp the depth of their loss, they've adapted well," said Karthika Anna Thomas, district child protection officer, Wayanad. Three of the five children are girls.
One of the youngest, a five-year-old girl, spends time with her aunt's new born baby. The infant's laughter and presence have become a source of healing for her.
Another girl, aged eight, lives with three cousins whose warmth and cheerful presence have slowly brought colour back to her life.
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As many as 11 children lost their fathers and three lost their mothers in the tragedy. According to officials, those who lost their fathers, including a 2-month-old baby, are with their mothers, and vice versa. Two of the 14 children are from Tamil Nadu.
District child protection unit authorities said they continue to monitor the emotional, educational and recreational needs of the children. "Even so, outreach workers say that during birthdays, Vishu, Eid and other festivals, the children miss their parents' absence deeply," an official said.
The entire cost of one student's degree education, of the two who reached adulthood, is being covered by the management of Don Bosco College in Sultan Bathery. The other, pursuing Plus One studies in Kozhikode district, had earlier dropped out of school but resumed studies after the tragedy.
New houses are being built for many children under govt's rehabilitation township plan. Those not opting for houses in the township after being promised homes by organisations received Rs 15 lakh from state govt. Also, those who lost both parents were provided Rs 10 lakh, while those who lost one received Rs 5 lakh, deposited in fixed joint accounts in the names of the children and district child protection officer, with the children receiving interest from deposits.
Also, 19 children receive Rs 4,000 monthly under Centre's sponsorship scheme. Additionally, private organisations and individuals, through state govt, contributed Rs 31.2 lakh to six children who lost both parents.
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