CRI听力: Volunteers Provide Psychological Treatment to Students as Classes Resume

Children were among the most vulnerable when the devastating earthquake hit. Many were injured in the quake or lost their parents. Volunteers have been focusing on psychological treatment to help children in Yushu recover from the disaster. Yao Yongmei has more.



Local authorities estimate that 80 percent of primary schools and 50 percent of secondary schools in Yushu have been severely damaged. The casualties included 103 children and 12 teachers, with about 700 injured.

Yushu No. 3 Elementary School had the highest death toll, with some 70 victims, and 80 percent of its buildings collapsed.

Sixth grader Zhaxi Wenci recounts the moment when tragedy struck.

"The quake suddenly struck when we were reading books. And we all fell onto the ground and ran out of the classroom to look for our parents."

Zhaxi Wenci's teacher says the boy lost all seven of his relatives, and is now an orphan. But the 12-year-old boy is quite resilient.

"I lost my family. And my school is now in ruins. I feel so sad. But I'm thankful to those who showed their sympathy to me."

Despite the tragedy, many are trying their best to help these children continue their lives as normally as possible. Classes have resumed at some schools in the tent cities.

Volunteers are using classes as a psychological tool to console the children, which has proven quite effective.

"My grandma and aunt both died in the quake. Attending school is what I want most at the moment."

"I'm happy that classes have resumed. I hope to rebuild our town."

Wang Lu, a volunteer, has been teaching the children songs to ease their grief. She says post-traumatic treatment should be carried out within three weeks after the disaster. Otherwise, the tragedy will leave a wound in their hearts that will never heal.

"We are trying to get closer to the children through body language and songs. Later, we'll provide psychological guidance to them with the help of psychiatrists."

The song lingers in the air at the tent city. As the lyrics underline, the children take away the lesson that despite the enormous grief of losing their relatives and homes, life should continue with hope.

For CRI, I'm Yao Yongmei.