Ten-year-old Renaad is one of the children attending the summer schools we launched after the earthquake. Renaad’s home was badly damaged in the earthquake of 6th February, which caused several walls to collapse. She said: “I remember feeling scared. The terrifying sound still haunts me. We felt weak and helpless, as if we couldn’t do anything. The hardest thing was our constant fear that there would be another tremor.” At first Renaad was worried about going back to school. “I was afraid of another earthquake happening while I amm away from my family. The school building is old, I was afraid it might collapse.” However, Renaad has found the relaxation techniques taught at the summer school comforting. “I learned how to take deep breaths, which makes me feel more relaxed. It gives me the strength to face situations that bother me or make me sad,” she said. Renaad loves the atmosphere of being around other children who enjoy the summer school just as much as she does. “I really like the summer school. The best part is when I see my friends entering the class all excited, waiting for the lessons and activities,” she said.
