Building schools, building hope

Thursday, September 29, 2016

It was a special day at Seti Devi Primary School in Shyama, Dolakha - a newly reconstructed, freshly painted, one-storey building was being officially handed over by World Vision.

Students, guardians and teachers enthusiastically waited in a classroom with garlands and khadas (traditional ceremonial scarfs) in their hands. As a group of World Vision staff entered the scene the crowd erupted into applause. In no time the guests were covered with the garlands and khadas, a traditional manner of showing respect and gratitude in Nepal.

"Fortunately, World Vision stepped ahead and reconstructed the building."

Ngawa Sherpa, principal of the school, explained during the handover programme, "Last year's earthquake severely damaged our school building and we did not have enough funds for repair. Fortunately, World Vision stepped ahead and reconstructed the building. Now, the students have a safe building to study in."

Children in Emergencies Manager at World Vision, Rajani Maharjan addressed the crowd, "Students learn best in the absence of fear. Therefore, they need a safe environment to study in and our organisation is committed to support the earthquake-affected schools in this regard."

As the programme continued four school girls sang a special song in Nepali, "We welcome World Vision. May they always support us. May they always support this community."

Yasodha, a fifth grader, shared, "When the earthquake damaged our old building I was really anxious and I did not think our school would have such a nice building again. The new one is not only beautiful but strong as well."

The programme concluded after speeches from representatives of the District Education Office, a partner non-government organisation, and key stakeholders. All of them stressed on the need for robust infrastructure at schools.

Besides reconstruction of the building, World Vision also supported the school by conducting child rights trainings for child club members of the school. For teachers, they conducted training on Child Friendly Teaching Learning.

Kalika Devi Higher Secondary School.

World Vision has also reconstructed one of the buildings at Kalika Devi Higher Secondary School which has been recently handed over to the school management. The handover ceremony special guest, former Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, Agni Sapkota said, "I would like to thank World Vision and partner agencies for this school reconstruction. I hope they will continue to provide such support to the education sector in the days ahead."

To date World Vision has been involved in reconstruction of seven schools/Early Childhood Education and Development centres in five earthquake-affected districts.

Learn more about our relief response and rebuilding work