IDDRR
Alight – Pakistan
Keeping hope alive and harnessing community resilience in the face of disaster.
ORGANISATION
Alight
LOCATION
Islamabad, Pakistan
In 2017, deadly landslides and flash floods struck Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, severely affecting parts of Skardu district. Many families lost their homes, and children were left without schools. In a region where Alight had been supporting education for out-of-school children, the situation became even more challenging. Yet, their commitment to ensuring children’s education never wavered. In Skardu, with the help of their dedicated teacher Niaz Ali- who also happens to be a talented singer – they ensured that, despite the destruction, children continue their education.
The end of the story…. a school in a transitional shelter
Even without proper classrooms or a roof, Niaz Ali’s tireless efforts kept hope alive. Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee – ARC) stepped in, providing transitional shelters, educational materials and other resources to keep learning going. Through the dedication of teachers like Niaz Ali and the resilience of the community, Alight ensured that education persisted despite the disaster.
From awareness to action, young people lead the way in pushing for climate and disaster resilience. This story and photograph is a part of our celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. Members from across our network have shared their stories of youth-led or focussed resilience work. It demonstrates that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the changemakers today, driving forward local actions that build resilience to disasters and reduce risk.
All photos: Alight Pakistan