When Disaster Strikes: How Education and Children's Futures were Battered by Cyclone Idai

An in-depth look at how the deadly storm and flooding has disrupted the schooling of half a million children in southeast Africa - and the efforts to rebuild.
 
First comes the shock and the terror. Then the fight for survival - to find food, water and shelter, and to avoid diseases. But in the wake of a natural disaster, children very quickly need protection and education. Being in a safe learning environment with other youngsters is crucial if they are to begin to recover from the trauma. Children who are out for school for a long time after a disaster are in danger of falling prey to child labour, early marriage, trafficking and other risks. Many will never return to education. It's a scenario repeated over and over as communities around the world fall victim to floods, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes and other natural disasters.