Ajnala, September 21: As schools in Punjab’s flood-ravaged Ajnala and Ramdass areas prepare to reopen, teachers are being trained not only to resume academics but also to help children overcome the trauma of recent devastation. The Amritsar district administration has launched a special programme aimed at equipping teachers to provide emotional first aid to students coping with fear, stress and anxiety caused by the floods.
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said teachers have been advised to check on children’s well-being before returning to regular lessons. “We will ensure that children get emotional first aid. Before teaching, ask children about their well-being and that of their family so that they feel someone is there to help them,” she said. The initiative will continue once schools reopen in the border belt on Tuesday, with progress monitored in the coming weeks, she added.
Last week, around 50 teachers from Ajnala and Chogawan blocks attended a session led by Delhi-based educator Sanchi Chandna and NGO Sanji Sikhyan. Chandna, who has over a decade of experience designing programmes in conflict zones, guided teachers on stress management, support activities, early counselling and community engagement.
Assistant Commissioner Piyusha Bhardak said the programme is being implemented under the “Sanja Uparala” initiative. “Natural disasters not only cause physical damage but also have a profound impact on children’s mental health. Teachers can play a big role in making children feel safe, confident and stable again,” she noted.
Teachers who underwent the training said the impact of the disaster on children could be long-lasting. “Every child who has been displaced and seen the destruction will experience some impact,” said Aarti, a teacher participant. “Many children have lost homes, routines and their sense of familiarity. These effects vary depending on the child’s age, personality, the extent of the disaster and the support systems available. By providing immediate emotional aid, they could be made to feel safe.”
Amritsar is currently the only district in Punjab to launch such an initiative, as authorities seek to rebuild not just infrastructure but also children’s resilience in the aftermath of the floods.
