Like the one about the primary school children in Disovery One in the Cashel Mall. Their internal staircase was being repaired from the September earthquake and so they were using external, scaffold "stairs". After the terrible shaking on February 22, their teachers somehow got all those little children down those stairs, I can't imagine how terrifying that would be while they were still shaking. Then they walked all those little children to Cathedral Square. It's hard to imagine a more terrifying walk. Then they were forced to walk them all the way down to the gardens to wait for their parents and caregivers. I can't even imagine how a little child processes that.
There were the kids I know, who went to Unlimited, also in the Cashel Mall. Their teachers were striking that day, so lots of them were scattered about the mall. When the shaking started the teachers ran from the Town Hall down to school to try and collect the children together. The kids were alone in situations no one can imagine dealing with. All of them thought they were going to die that day. I know of teenage boys who still can't sleep without with light on, who take drugs and drink to try and get to sleep, who can't get the screams and faces out of their minds, who are just now beginning to ask for help.
I know of a little girl who can't sleep alone. Who can't go to the toilet by herself because in the earthquake the door fell off and she knows it's not a safe place. She is a school aged child, but is forced to wear nappies at night because otherwise she has an accident every night.
Please support this. Please. It's important.
100% behind it Deb and your stories make my heart ache.
ReplyDeleteMy heart just did a big heavy sigh.
ReplyDeleteI'm in tears, my heart aches for all those affected by the quakes xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I have a heavy heart reading this. I can only imagine the pain and struggle of dealing with the on going effects of the quakes. Cx
ReplyDeletesuch important stories to tell Deb and I was told the other day that this year (year 3 afterwards) is the most difficult one for people, relationships, depression etc.... it counts to tell these stories and to still receive help x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely project, I'm in! Thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeleteSo, so true, Debs. Being a teacher, I see this every day. It's very subtle and very real for those little and big people. Thanks for sharing this project, it shines a little light on my heart.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a brilliant idea I will be trying to get my wider community involved....I have a heavy heart thinking about all the kids and their families dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteI can really understand that ripple effect.
thanks for letting us know, Deb, have emailed them now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know, I will contribute!!!!
ReplyDeleteI Hadnt heard about the children caught in the mall. Those teachers need a medal :)
ReplyDeleteRegards Phillipa