Two years after the devastating earthquake, the NGO Medair has now departed Pakistan, having completed all of its relief and rehabilitation objectives, including the construction of 11 earthquake-resistant schools.

When the quake struck the Pakistan-administered area of Kashmir in 2005, Medair had staff on-the-ground within five days. It was the first international NGO to focus its attention on the remote and mountainous areas of Poonch District, where thousands of families had become homeless and were as a result severely vulnerable with winter approaching. Medair's emergency response saved countless lives by distributing thousands of tents and temporary shelter kits. With the emergency phase passed, Medair concentrated on rehabilitation activities, which included health and hygiene promotion, the construction of schools, and livelihood support projects.

"We are leaving almost exactly two years after the earthquake, and have achieved a huge amount in that short time,"said Mark Screeton, Medair's Desk Officer for Pakistan. "The population is stabilised, people have shelter, and the government is slowly getting up to speed with long term development plans which will take years and years to realise. Our mandate is fulfilled."

As Medair prepared to close its programme, the appreciative response from both beneficiaries and local partners was overwhelming.

Lt. General Nadeem, the Deputy Chairman of ERRA (Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority), personally requested that Medair's Country Director Hylton Cannon fly with him by helicopter to see all of the 11 schools which Medair has built or reconstructed.

"The General was very pleased with what he saw, and more so to see for himself the difficult areas where some of the schools were built,"said Mr. Cannon. "At a farewell function later in the month, the General had more kind words for us, stating as he has done before that Medair is the first NGO to have completed its full quota of schools."

The District Reconstruction Unit (DRU) also expressed their gratitude to Medair, praising its close working relationship with the DRU, and the quality of its work. "We highly appreciate their efforts to work in difficult terrain and hard weather conditions,"wrote Mr. Mehmood, DRU Programme Manager.

At the end of the month, Medair attended the completion ceremony for the last of the 11 schools. "It was a very exciting time for the students, teaching staff, and the whole community,"said Mr. Cannon. "There was a huge crowd attending, giving out garlands of flowers, yes even to the men, and what joy in their faces! Suddenly all the struggles we've had to get to that point seemed worth it."

As the Medair team moves on to address new challenges, it leaves with the confidence that its work will have a lasting impact on its beneficiaries.

"The 11 schools should serve these communities for the next 50 years,"said Mr. Screeton. "We have already seen rising enrollment, as the communities and the teachers are so encouraged by the good facilities. The livelihood projects should also have a long-term impact, as people have a renewed source of income and a way of supplementing their diet."

"(It) is a great contribution..."wrote Mr. Mehmood, "... helping to ensure the bright future of our next generations."

Medair ended its programme on 31 October 2007. Its departure from the country has no connection with the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan on 4 November 2007.

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Medair brings life-saving relief and rehabilitation in disasters, crises, and conflict areas by working alongside the most vulnerable. Its internationally-recruited staff are inspired by their Christian faith to care for people in need, providing practical and compassionate support, regardless of race, religion, or politics. The organisation's consistent focus ensures maximum efficiency and accountability, with ISO 9001 certification worldwide. Founded in 1989, Medair's unwavering commitment continues to bring hope to the world's most vulnerable.