Bal Raksha Bharat, also known as Save the Children, has launched a Child Friendly Space (CFS) in Sivasagar’s Nazira subdivision to provide emotional support to children affected by the recent floods in Assam. The facility, located in Bamunpukhuri, aims to offer a safe space for children to play, learn, and interact with their peers while receiving psychosocial support.
The CFS was inaugurated by Sivasagar District Child Protection Officer Dr Bikash Ranjan Konwar, who emphasized the importance of providing more than just material assistance to children affected by disasters. According to Konwar, children require safe spaces to express themselves, interact with others, and receive emotional support, especially during times of crisis when they may experience fear, anxiety, and disruption of routine.
Kritanjali Kashyap, State Lead-cum-Programme Manager at Bal Raksha Bharat, highlighted that children are among the most vulnerable during crises, and their emotional and psychological needs are often overlooked. The Child Friendly Space is intended to help children regain a sense of normalcy, express their feelings, build confidence, and cope with difficult experiences.
The initiative is part of Bal Raksha Bharat’s wider humanitarian response to the floods in Assam. Recently, the organization provided essential hygiene and dignity kits to 300 flood-affected households in Jorhat, in coordination with local government authorities. The kits included specialized items such as undergarments and sanitary napkins, which have been particularly useful for families who have lost their belongings.
For flood-affected residents like Sitaram Das, the support has provided some relief as they struggle to rebuild their lives. Das expressed his gratitude for the hygiene and dignity kit, stating that it has helped his family maintain their dignity and take care of their needs during this difficult time.
