KATHMANDU, Oct 2: The government will provide long-term care and support to five children who lost their parents in the devastating Bhotekoshi flood, including education, upbringing and other essential needs until they turn 18.
Sonam Gole had been worried about the future of his five nephews and nieces after losing his two brothers in the floods. The Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens included all five children in its “Long-Term Care Plan for Children Affected by Floods Who Require Special Protection.”
A ministry team visited Gole’s home to assess the children’s condition and the family’s circumstances.
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Gole’s two brothers had gone to Nuwakot for work and went missing following the flood on August 26. Their wives had already died, leaving four children under their care. Gole also took responsibility for another child living in the village, bringing the total number of children under his care to five.
Already struggling to support his own family, Gole was concerned about meeting the children’s needs, including their education, food and future. The children were initially taken to a temporary protection centre, where they received care and psychosocial counselling.
The ministry said the programme aims to go beyond immediate relief and ensure the education, development and long-term future of children who have lost their parents.
Gole said the government’s decision had eased his main concern about the children’s future. He said he felt greatly relieved knowing that the state would support their education, upbringing and care.
