Jaswinder Singh, a 13-year-old boy from District Buner, lives with his parents and three siblings — two brothers and a sister. He is currently studying in class 8th. His father runs a small grocery shop in the main bazaar, a livelihood that has been part of the Singh family’s history in Buner since the 19th century. The Singhs, a minority community in the region, have a rich and fascinating legacy. From historical conflicts during the Sikh Empire, when Ranjit Singh’s forces clashed with local tribes, to modern figures like Soran Singh, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his community, and Sanat Singh, a local “mini-bank” figure renowned for his trustworthiness, the Singh community has evolved from a history of struggle to one of respect, integration, and resilience.
But life in Buner, though rich in history, is not without challenges. In the monsoon season of 2025, devastating floods swept through the district, destroying the main bazaar and leaving behind only sand, debris, and wreckage. The floods struck a local secondary school, where Jaswinder and his classmates were attending classes from 1st to 10th grade.
Jaswinder recalls that morning vividly: the sky was dark, the rain was relentless, and with every passing moment, the water level rose dangerously. Torrents of water cascaded down the mountains, carrying debris with them, crashing against the school walls. Within minutes, the school began to flood. The children rushed to the upper floors, seeking safety. Jaswinder, holding his six-year-old cousin close, climbed to the top floor. The teacher broke through the back wall of the school, creating an escape route, and safely evacuated the children.
Thanks to their courage and quick thinking, Jaswinder and his cousin survived. But the school itself was destroyed. Books, furniture, and the place where students had once pursued knowledge were now scattered amidst the ruins, a heartbreaking sight of loss and devastation.
When CESVI began its emergency response in Buner, one of the first initiatives was a debris removal drive, and the school was a top priority. Heavy machinery cleared the wreckage, restoring hope that education could resume.
Looking back, Jaswinder reflects on that terrifying morning: “At that time, looking at the school, it felt like none of us would survive. But today, I stand here again, ready to continue my education with my friends. This school is no longer just rubble — it is our future.”
Jaswinder’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope, a testament to the human spirit, the importance of community support, and the critical role of timely humanitarian intervention. Through determination and the support of organizations like CESVI, the children of Buner are not only surviving disasters but reclaiming their right to learn and thrive.
