Bal Raksha Bharat Launches Child-Friendly Space in Sivasagar Post-Floods

Shillong, India Aug 17, 2026 ALN: Sivasagar: Bal Raksha Bharat (Save the Children) has inaugurated a Child Friendly Space (CFS) at Bamunpukhuri in Sivasagar’s Nazira subdivision to provide psychosocial support to children affected by the recent floods in Assam. This initiative comes in the wake of severe flooding that has impacted numerous families across the region, displacing thousands and causing significant disruption to daily life.

The facility was inaugurated by Sivasagar District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Dr. Bikash Ranjan Konwar in the presence of school teachers, social workers, labor union representatives, representatives of AATSA, tea garden management, and community members. The collaborative effort underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly children, in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Dr. Konwar emphasized that children affected by disasters need more than material assistance; they require safe spaces where they can play, learn, interact with peers, and receive emotional and psychosocial support. He stated, “Children require more than material assistance; amidst the crisis they need a safe space where they can play, learn, express themselves, interact with peers and receive emotional and psychosocial support.” This perspective highlights the critical role that emotional well-being plays in the recovery process for children who have faced traumatic experiences.

Such spaces are particularly crucial after disasters, as children may experience fear, anxiety, disruption of routine, separation from caregivers, and other forms of emotional distress. The establishment of the Child Friendly Space is intended to mitigate these effects by providing a structured environment where children can engage in activities that promote healing and resilience. Activities may include play therapy, art and craft sessions, and group discussions, all designed to help children process their experiences and express their emotions in a supportive setting.

Kritanjali Kashyap, State Lead-cum-Programme Manager, Bal Raksha Bharat, PIU Assam, highlighted that children are among the most vulnerable during crises, and their emotional and psychological needs are often overlooked. She noted that the Child Friendly Space aims to help children regain a sense of normalcy, express their feelings, build confidence, and cope with difficult experiences. The focus on psychological support is crucial, as untreated trauma can lead to long-term mental health issues, affecting children's development and overall well-being.

“Through this initiative, we want to strengthen community-based child protection and ensure that every child affected by adversity has an opportunity to feel safe, heard, and supported,” Kashyap added. The initiative is not just about immediate relief; it aims to build a foundation for long-term recovery and resilience among children and their families.

This initiative is part of Bal Raksha Bharat’s broader humanitarian response to the floods in Assam. The floods, which have been exacerbated by changing climate patterns, have left many communities in dire need of assistance. Recently, with support from Salesforce, the organization reached 300 flood-affected households in No. 1 Jonaki Mandal Gaon under the Titabar Assembly constituency in Jorhat, providing essential hygiene and dignity kits in coordination with local government authorities. These kits are designed to address basic needs and help families maintain hygiene and dignity during challenging times.

Sitaram Das, a flood-affected resident, shared his struggles, stating, “The flood has taken away almost everything. There is no field to farm or house to live in; it has left me and my family in a great struggle to start everything from scratch again.” His testimony reflects the widespread devastation caused by the floods and the ongoing challenges faced by many families in the region. The loss of agricultural land and homes not only affects immediate survival but also has long-term implications for community stability and economic recovery.

Das mentioned that the hygiene and dignity kit had provided some relief, especially as his family had lost much of what they needed. “Even small things become very important when you have lost almost everything. I have my wife and daughter to look after, and some of the specialized items in this kit, such as undergarments and sanitary napkins, will be very useful for them,” he said. This statement underscores the critical nature of basic supplies in the aftermath of a disaster, where access to everyday necessities can be severely compromised.

“This support gives us some relief and helps us maintain our dignity and take care of our family during this difficult time,” he added. The emotional aspect of receiving aid is significant; it not only provides physical resources but also reinforces a sense of community and support among those affected. As the recovery process continues, initiatives like the Child Friendly Space and the distribution of hygiene kits play a vital role in helping families rebuild their lives and restore a sense of normalcy.

In conclusion, the establishment of Child Friendly Spaces and the distribution of essential supplies are crucial steps in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of children and families affected by the floods in Assam. As communities work to recover from the devastation, the focus on psychosocial support and dignity will be essential in fostering resilience and promoting healing among the most vulnerable populations. Bal Raksha Bharat's efforts highlight the importance of a holistic approach to disaster response, ensuring that the emotional and physical needs of affected individuals are met in tandem.