UNICEF launched its photo book 'Under the Tent' as well as inaugurated the exhibition of the photos in the book at Bhrikuti Mandap.

The pictorial publication highlights the stories of people – the children, adolescents, men and women who lived, took shelter, provided or availed of services under UNICEF tents during the aftermath of the 2015 earthquakes that damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, health posts, hospitals, schools, radio stations and other structures. In order to help ensure smooth operation of necessary services to the people in the 14 most earthquake-affected districts, UNICEF distributed tarpaulin and tents.

Speaking on the occasion UNICEF Nepal Representative Mr. Tomoo Hozumi said, "We published these photo books in English and Nepali not just to show what role the tents played in the humanitarian response phase following the disaster, but also to remind us of what the situation was like, and how we need to be better prepared for disasters in the future."

The UNICEF tents served many purposes – from medical tents that housed outpatient services and operation theatres at the hospital premises to child-friendly spaces that provided safe spaces for children to play and have fun. The tents were also used to set up temporary learning centres to quickly provide learning space for children whose schools were damaged or destroyed during the earthquake as well as to establish shelter homes that provided a safe and caring environment for pregnant women, new mothers, their babies and caretakers.

The photo book was launched by Ms Sushila Phuyal who traveled from Kavrepalanchowk District with her 15-month-old son for the event. Ms Phuyal, who was six-months pregnant when the earthquake struck on 25 April 2015, gave birth at the birthing centre established under a UNICEF tent in Dolakha District. Following the delivery, she lived under UNICEF shelter home before going back home to her family including her 7-year-old son.

"It is because of the proper care and support that I received at the UNICEF shelter home after my delivery that I and my son are healthy and happy," she said. "I hope UNICEF will continue to put smiles on the faces of mothers like me."

The photo exhibition continues 10-11 December in Bhrikuti Mandap.