Project: SAMATA

The "Samata" project, a 1.5-year initiative implemented by JJYC Bara under the leadership of VSO and funded by FCDO, was designed to build on and enhance the efforts of the EQUIP project. Recognizing the critical needs identified during the EQUIP project, Samata focused on deepening the support for marginalized and vulnerable children, including those with disabilities, in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase. This project aimed to further address the gaps in psychosocial support, ensuring that children not only received the care they needed to overcome the emotional and psychological challenges brought on by the pandemic but also had access to inclusive and equitable education opportunities. Through targeted interventions, Samata worked to create a more supportive and resilient educational environment, building on the foundational work of EQUIP.

In addition to reinforcing psychosocial support, the Samata project also aimed at sustaining and expanding the improvements made in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities initiated by EQUIP. By continuing to enhance these facilities, the project sought to provide a safer, healthier learning environment for all students. Furthermore, Samata focused on ongoing professional development for teachers, ensuring that they were equipped with the latest strategies and tools to support diverse learners, particularly those from marginalized communities. Through these comprehensive efforts, the Samata project contributed significantly to the long-term resilience of the education system in Bara and Rautahat districts, ensuring that vulnerable children had the resources and support necessary to thrive in their educational journeys.