Contrary to what we see in the media that there is plenty of aid money flowing in, there is work to be done in Sri Lanka. Predictably the media now begins looking for the wierd stories. But unseen work goes on, to solve ‘problems’ that don’t make for sensational stories.

Addressing mental health, water sanitation, infant hygiene, school supplies continue to be addressed. UNICEF released its weekly assessment today. It includes these issues:

–         schools continue to be occupied by displaced families

–          incomplete construction of temporary schools

–       parents are frightened of being separated from their children due to rumors of recurring tsunamis and the possibility of recruitment

–       furniture in schools vacated by IDPs has been used as fuel or has been destroyed

–       water and sanitation facilities are damaged and parents are worried that schools are unhygienic for children to return

–       transport to temporary schools is causing problems

–       children are not attending temporary schools that are intended for different social groups (e.g. non-Moslem children will not attend Moslem schools)

–       schools used as camps are partially operating for teaching but parents don’t think that regular or effective instruction is taking place

–       there is a stigma attached to sending children to school without uniform, even though parents know that regulations have been relaxed

–       living conditions in camps are not conducive to support learning

–      many pre-schools are affected and some school-age children who have lost a parent are looking after siblings