After receiving a request to help rebuild their school with a permanent structure from the Principal and School Management Committee of Shree Aarukhaka Primary School in Yarsa VDC, Rasuwa, it was decided that before any commitment could be given, a recce should be made to assess the feasibility of the project.
With the school only just reopened after the summer holidays, it was also a good opportunity to take some much needed school supplies to distribute to the 134 children who attend the school in classes nursery to 5, and who lost everything in the earthquake.
After a 5-hour journey in a 4-wheel drive vehicle, we were met where the road ran out by a delegation from the school and village in order to help us carry the school supplies to the village itself. The trail was not easy, being a steep and slippery downhill path, broken by landslides and big cracks in the earth caused by April’s earthquake.
By the time we finally staggered into the village to a warm welcome from the rest of the villagers, it was already evening and getting dark. The school helper/cleaner offered to cook daal bhat for us that evening, so we had dinner with his family, the school principal and a few members of the school management committee – a great opportunity to spend some time with them and get a real understanding of their needs.
As the children arrived at school the next morning, we organised a big litter picking session in the school compound and surrounding area with classes 4 and 5. Once everything was clean and tidy, we talked to all the kids about health and hygiene and why they should keep their school and village clean, and the possible consequences if they didn’t.
After this came the moment the children were all waiting for – the distribution of a new school bag, 5 note books, pencils, a pencil sharpener and eraser to each of the students. They were super happy with their gifts and at the end of the day, all walked home proudly with their new bags on their backs.
It is very likely that we will support this school in its request for a new permanent building, however, until the government releases its standard specifications, building safety regulations and budgets for school rebuild programmes we are able to give them confirmation. We are hoping that these will be made available sooner rather than later in order to allow us to start building once the monsoon has finished.
Collecting litter from around the school
Sorting the school supplies
Making up the school bags for the students
The kids lining up to receive their new school bag and supplies
Dawa presenting a happy child with their new school bag