“After the flood, we had to clean the classrooms before we could learn again.”
Biography
The Holy Christ Students represent the younger generation of Mepe a group of senior high school students whose school life was deeply affected by the 2023 flood. When classrooms turned into temporary shelters and lessons were suspended, they witnessed first-hand how education and community responsibilities intertwined. Their experiences offer an important perspective on resilience and solidarity among youth in the face of crisis.
Before the flood
Before the disaster, school life at Holy Christ Senior High School was routine and full of energy. Students focused on studies, extracurricular activities, and preparing for examinations.
During the flood
When the floodwaters reached Mepe, the students’ world changed abruptly. The school buildings were used as shelters for displaced families, and the classrooms that once hosted lessons became sleeping spaces. Many students were evacuated, while others stayed behind to help distribute relief supplies and support those in need.
After the flood
In the aftermath, returning to school meant confronting visible damage: destroyed infrastructure, contaminated water sources, and disrupted schedules. Students helped clean classrooms and rebuild facilities.
Thought's about the future
The Holy Christ Students hope for a future where their education will continue without interruption. They express a wish for stronger flood prevention, improved early warning systems, and better school infrastructure.
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Name:
Holy Christ Students -
Role:
Students from Holy Christ Senior High School -
Town:
Mepe -
Interview Date:
2025-03-11