Pakistan: IRC Repairs Schools that Housed the Displaced

The IRC is repairing 20 schools that were used to house thousands of people displaced by fighting between the Taliban and Pakistan army. 

 

Last summer, nearly 85 percent — over two million people — of those displaced sought refuge in schools, where they were could access electricity. The concrete structures were also much cooler than the tents in the camps.  As a result of this intense overcrowding, the schools are in need of significant repairs. 

 

In the districts of Mardan and Swabi, an average of 2,500 people lived in each school. IRC teams there have started to repair and replace water pipes, rehabilitate the sanitation system and replace doors and windows.

 

The IRC’s Waqas Halim, who coordinates the effort, said that each of the schools normally serves approximately 1,200 students. 

 

“The students we have spoken to are very worried that they won’t be able to start school in time and, as a result, won’t be prepared for the end-of-the-year exams,” he said.  “But I am optimistic that the rehabilitation will be completed by the start of the new school year in October.”