Nepal, with its majestic mountains and scenic landscapes, faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to education and infrastructure. While the government has made significant strides in improving access to education, many remote areas, especially in the hilly and mountainous regions, continue to encounter considerable obstacles. The devastating 2015 earthquake underscored the vulnerability of schools and educational infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Over 8000 people perished in the earthquake and many schools were destroyed due to outdated and poorly designed structures, leaving students and teachers in dire conditions.
In the aftermath, children were often afraid to sit in their classrooms, fearing that the buildings might collapse at any moment. Teachers, too, were frustrated and demotivated by the unsafe and deteriorating learning environments. This dire situation hindered students' academic progress and jeopardized their future opportunities.
After the earthquake, dZi has supported the reconstruction and construction of earthquake-safe schools in mountain communities across eastern Nepal, ensuring every child has access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Two schools that stand as recent exemplary models of this initiative are Santodaya Secondary School and Tomane Basic School, both of which were built in the fiscal year 2023-2024 with dZi's support. dZi constructed five new buildings, clearing the old, unsafe infrastructure to add 15 new classrooms at the two schools. These new classrooms are earthquake-resistant and designed to be child- and disability-friendly, with accessible toilets with ramps, railings, grab bars, and a commode inside the disability toilet compartment and safer learning spaces.
The difference in the learning environment is stark. The transformation is visible in the before-and-after images of the schools. These upgrades ensure that students can attend school without fear of structural collapse, and teachers can provide lessons in a safe, motivating environment.
Ensuring Transparency and Community Engagement
dZi's approach to school construction goes beyond simply building structures. Transparency and community involvement are central to the process. For every infrastructure project, dZi organizes social audits - a process that provides participants with a comprehensive overview of the project's journey from the initial planning process to its completion. By doing this, dZi ensures the construction process is fair and accountable, fostering trust between dZi and community members.
This year, dZi hosted an official inauguration and handover ceremony for the first time, inviting all stakeholders-local government officials, volunteers, parents, students, partner NGOs, community members, and the School Management Committee-to witness the completion of the project. While handovers in the past have been important but short closed meetings, the ceremonies this year marked a key moment of collaboration, where the communities came together to celebrate the results of their collective efforts.
The inauguration of the Tomane Basic School was a significant occasion, with Samir Rai, the Chair of Kepilasgadi Rural Municipality, and Wende Valentine, dZi's Executive Director, leading the ceremony. The Rural Municipality also honored dZi's Country Director, Rakesh Karna, and appreciated dZi's contributions to the school's construction. As part of their commitment to the school's long-term sustainability, the Rural Municipality pledged to build a fence around the school, ensuring the safety and security of the students in the program.
Similarly, the Santodaya Secondary School was inaugurated by Girendra Bahadur Rai, Chair of Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, and Shyam Nepal, dZi’s Senior Program Manager. During the event, the school’s construction committee, which led and facilitated the project construction at the community level, contributed an LED screen to the school, further enhancing the learning experience by enabling digital learning. This act highlights the local community's commitment to supporting the school and investing in the education of future generations.
Both Santodaya Secondary School and Tomane Basic School have now been officially handed over to their respective School Management Committees, ensuring that the schools will be managed and maintained sustainably over the long term. This collaborative approach is vital for these institutions' continued success and growth.
At dZi, we believe in building a brighter future for children by giving them access to education. By constructing earthquake-safe, child- and disability-friendly schools, we are safeguarding children's physical well-being and empowering them to reach their full potential.
