Open Hearts has been providing primary-level education to children in Chin for the past four months, ensuring that every child has access to continuous learning even in emergency or crisis situations. Using a structured and hands-on teaching approach, we aim to maintain learning continuity and help children develop foundational knowledge and skills despite challenging circumstances.

To support children’s learning and well-being, there is a pressing need for educational materials and supplies, including textbooks, pencils, pens, erasers, shoes, and small school bags. In addition, recreational items such as balls, badminton, cane-ball, table tennis games, and other play materials are essential to create a child-friendly environment where children can learn, play, and grow freely. Providing these resources helps children remain engaged in learning while promoting their emotional and social development.

Another significant challenge is the shortage of qualified teachers and the limited salaries available for teaching staff. Addressing these gaps is critical to sustaining high-quality education in emergency contexts. By recruiting and supporting more teachers and ensuring adequate compensation, Open Hearts aims to strengthen the learning experience for children and maintain continuity in their education even during times of crisis.

Child‑Friendly Spaces with MHPSS

1. Open Hearts establishes safe spaces (“Child‑Friendly Spaces”) where children can play, learn, express themselves, and feel emotionally secure after the trauma.
2. In these spaces, we run mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities such as art therapy, storytelling, group discussion, and psychological first aid to help children heal and process their experiences.

Case Management for Vulnerable Children

1. We identify and provide individual support for children particularly affected by the earthquake — such as those separated from their families, injured, or dealing with the loss of caregivers.
2. Our team connects these children with medical, psychosocial, and protection services, working to ensure they receive the specific care they need.
3. We also facilitate family tracing and reunification, helping children who lost contact with their caregivers to reconnect safely.

Material & Basic Needs Support

1. Open Hearts distributes emergency kits that include essential items for children (like hygiene supplies, child protection kits) to ensure their basic safety and well‑being.
2. We help provide or coordinate safe shelter support, especially for families with children, so that they have a secure place to stay during recovery.

Education & Learning Recovery

1. We organize temporary learning spaces where children can continue to learn and study, even if school buildings are damaged.
2. We provide learning and recreation kits (educational supplies, play items) to encourage children’s development and to bring a routine back into their lives.

Community Engagement & Capacity Building

1. We work with local leaders, volunteers, and community committees to ensure that our programs are locally relevant, accepted, and sustainable.
2. We train community volunteers in psychosocial care, child protection, and first‑aid so that the community itself has capacity to support children.
3. We also facilitate parent/caregiver support sessions so adults in affected families understand how to support their children’s emotional recovery.

Under the WASH for Children Project, Open Hearts implements Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children. Our activities include:

1. Handwashing promotion and facilities: Teaching children proper handwashing techniques and providing soap and handwashing stations to prevent illness.
2. Safe food practices: Supporting hygienic handling, preparation, and consumption of food for children.
3. Sanitation facilities: Constructing and maintaining child-friendly toilets to improve sanitation and reduce the risk of disease.
4. Clean water access: Ensuring children have access to safe and clean drinking water for hydration and hygiene.

Through these interventions, Open Hearts aims to protect children from waterborne diseases, promote good hygiene habits, and create a healthy environment conducive to learning and play.