THE Somerset-based charity School in a Bag (SIAB) is launching an appeal to fund SchoolBags for children who have been affected, and the majority displaced, by the flooding in Pakistan.

It is not the first time the charity, based in Chilthorne Domer, near Yeovil, has supported flooding in the country - in 2010, through their work as the Piers Simon Appeal, money for flood victims was channelled through the James Caan Foundation.

This time, funds raised will go towards SchoolBags to help children continue with their education in the treacherous conditions that they face.

The scale of the flooding, creating the worst humanitarian disaster in Pakistan’s history, is a combination of a severe monsoon season combined with the annual glacier melt water from the country’s mountainous region.

The United Nations secretary general António Guterres described the flooding as a “monsoon on steroids”. The result: 33,000,000 people affected and an area larger than the UK underwater.

The Pakistan Flood Appeal has been aided by a parent, Nadia Taseer from Orchard House School in Chiswick London after she reached out to see if the charity could provide assistance to friends and family she has in the country.

School in a Bag forged a wonderful liaison with Orchard House School last academic year as their Charity of the Year, and through Nadia’s links with charities and journalists on the ground, creating an appeal became possible.

Nadia said: “I myself have worked for many schools on the ground all over Pakistan and can advise you on the charities I have worked for that are trustworthy.

“Being half Pakistani myself, I think it's important to send an equal message to my child and his friends about crisis happening all over the world and how we can all help in this time of need. I have many contacts with journalists, head of charities, and friends volunteering in Pakistan.”

From experience of working with children and charities following disaster, School in a Bag knows first-hand how the continuation of education and the routine it provides is hugely important for children.

Luke Simon, founder and CEO of School in a Bag says: “Children function best when there is routine in their weekday lives - the structured timetable generated by schools creates this brilliantly.

“When a school is halted by the flooding so devastating in Pakistan, the need to try and maintain an education and routine is of paramount importance.

"The contents and resources in our SchoolBags allow educators and parents to teach children, keep them learning and give them a focus when all around them is in disarray.”

He adds: “Without an existing School in a Bag partner on the ground in Pakistan, we are so grateful for the links and contacts that Nadia has given us. We will now start to forge the correct relationships with charities coordinating the relief efforts so that we can channel our SchoolBags out to the families and children in need.”

To donate to the School in a Bag Pakistan Flood Appeal, please visit the website here.