CONFLICT AFFECTED CHILDREN’S SURVIVAL AFTER THE PEACE AGREEMENT: NEED OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

The ten years armed conflict h ave s everal c onsequences f or s chool g oing c hildren. T hey a re mentally and physically a˙ected even after the armed conflict. C onsidering t his a spect, t he p resent s tudy was proposed with research questions: how are they experienceing their life after the peace agreement?To explore the experience of them, a qualitative research msethod was carried out in Gorkha district with two males and two female children of aged under 18 during the 10 years armed conflict in Nepal. In depth interview was carried out and the information from in depth interview was analyzed by exploring the themes. The finding of the study assets that after the peace agreement, they were getting some sort of support from the government and di˙erent development organizations. However, the participants were not satisfied with the support that they are provided as it is insuycient to them for their sustainable livelihood. Along with the economic, they were also facing economical, mental and social challenges. In addition, they had not been accepted in the society and were still excluded to some extent. The findings also showed that the education after the peace agreement had not been in their priority than that of taking care of their family members and sustainable livelihoods. However, there was a participant who continued his study in a very diycult situation This study concluded that there is an urgent need of victim centered and individualized approach rather one door approach to address conflict a˙ected children. This kind of contextual practices directly address the local and individual needs. By this, the needs of the victims can be linked to their vocations for their sustainable future.