Nepal, 2015
Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Plan International, Save the Children, UNICEF and World Vision International undertook a “Children’s Earthquake Recovery Consultation” in the 14 most severely affected districts. The objectives of the consultation were to hear directly from children about the challenges they were facing; to assess the impact of the crisis on their roles, responsibilities and future opportunities; and to seek their views on and recommendations for recovery.
A total of 1,838 children were engaged in the consultation process through different methods that included expressive drawing, body mapping and visioning exercises. In recognition of the different needs and perspectives, children were divided by gender and age groups (8-12 years and 13-18 years). The children who took part in the consultation provided detailed and practical recommendations. They had clear ideas about how they wanted their communities to be rebuilt and the support they needed. They saw a clear role for themselves and their communities in rebuilding after the devastation. This initiative shows that consulting with children uncovers unique perspectives and views that can enrich decision making and planning.