KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Monday visited the Bal Mandir, a children's home operated by Nepal Children's Organisation, in Naxal of the Capital and acquainted herself with the condition of children taking shelter there and the building of the children's home, which was damaged by the April 25 earthquake.

On the occasion, the President interacted with 35 children aged three to five and nine disabled girls taking shelter at the children's home. She also distributed biscuits, chocolates and candies to the kids. The children were elated after receiving gifts from hands of the Head of the State.

Similarly, President Bhandari distributed blankets and infant formulas for 22 infants below the age of three months who are under the care and custody of the Bal Mandir.

Children at the children's home have been kept in prefab rooms after the main building of the NCO suffered total damage due to the earthquake and many aftershocks.

These prefab shelters were constructed with an initiative of Creative Nepal, an organisation of Bal Mandir alumni.

The NCO's children's homes in Naxal, Sifal, Bhimphedi and other places were destroyed by the devastating earthquake. Although the buildings were damaged, there were no human casualties.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare CP Mainali, Secretary at the Ministry Madhu Prasad Regmi, NCO chairperson Rita Baidya and general secretary Suresh Dahal, among other officials welcomed the President at the children's home.

The NCO currently runs children's homes in all the 75 districts of the country where 298 children are staying.