Most of the children are still haunted by the terrible memory of the tornado that killed 15 of their playmates and injured at least 2000 in 18 villages in Gaibandha district. Many of them became crippled due to lack of proper and timely treatment and many are still being treated at makeshift medical centres.

Many parents have sent their children to relatives' houses in unaffected areas for their recovery from mental depression.

In absence of formal schooling, Gano Unnayan Kendro has opened 12 entertainment cum education centres styled 'Shishu Khelaghor' in different areas of the tornado ravaged 18 villages in Gaibandha district.

Over 16,00 children of class one to five are spending days in the centres. They stay there from 8 am to 5 pm, playing, having lessons and at times attending entertaining programmes. Some local youths have volunteered to run the makeshift centres.

The programme will continue till next month, the NGO officials told this correspondent during a recent visit to the affected areas.

The children have been provided with education and playing materials.

"We conducted a survey and realised the need for rescuing the children from the trauma. The children at the centres spend happy time and learn lessons amid entertainment. We will try to continue the programme if reopening of the damaged schools are delayed", said M Abdus Salam, Chief Executive of the Kendro.

The centres have been opened at Kismat Haldia, Doyera, Bajra Haldia and Rajibpur in Dhopadanga union; Nayapara, Madha Shahabaj, Northernpara and Aggpara in Sarbananda union and at Khamer Dashalia and Kuthipara in Naldanga.

"I am really glad that I am doing something for the children", said Runa Saireen Rimi, a voluntary teacher the Taluk Sabanada centre.

According to a survey by the NGO, 27 educational institutes were completely damaged by the tornado. A total of 3,170 children lost their books.

"All by books were blown away along with our house. I do not know when our school will reopen", said Afroza Begum a student of class.

"I still get frightened seeing cloudy sky now", said Shahida Begum of class four. She said her school at Parervita has been damaged completely and all her books blown away.