Children return to learning in new classrooms
Children in Sindhuli are back to learning in safe classrooms after landslides damaged their school. New buildings and facilities are now under construction to provide a permanent solution.
“I love coming to school now. I feel safe, and my teachers help me when I need it. Before the new classroom was built, my parents were afraid to send me to school during the rainy season because of landslide risks. Now they feel reassured, and I can attend regularly,” said Ramila, a grade 4 student.
Severe floods and landslides in 2024 caused widespread damage across Sindhuli and other districts in Nepal. Nationwide, more than 243 schools were affected, with 25 completely destroyed and 162 partially damaged. This disruption impacted the education of nearly 47,500 children. Sindhuli was among the hardest-hit areas, with many school buildings left unsafe and unusable.
Plan International Nepal responded quickly, working alongside the local government and partners to support affected communities. In Sindhuli, relief packages including hygiene kits, winter supplies, and cooking materials were distributed to 1,957 households, reaching more than 12,000 people.
Recognising education as a vital part of recovery, Plan International Nepal, through its Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Development (YEED) project and in partnership with Sindhuli Integrated Development Service (SIDS Nepal) and Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, supported a basic school in Sunkoshi Municipality, Sindhuli district, after it was severely damaged by a landslide.
Madip, a grade 3 student, shared, “Learning is more fun now. In the new classroom, we have more space to read, explore, and grow. We feel heard and supported.”
“Learning is more fun now. In the new classroom, we have more space to read, explore, and grow. We feel heard and supported.”
Madip, a grade 3 student
Safe learning classrooms
Four new transitional learning centre (TLC) classrooms were constructed and handed over to the school, equipped with essential learning materials. These TLCs provide safe, inclusive spaces where students can continue their education without fear or disruption. The school also received first aid kits, a stretcher, fire extinguishers, solar lights, water filters, cushions, and additional learning materials. Similarly, the construction of a permanent school building, with the foundation ceremony recently completed.
Principal Sarbeshwaar said, “We faced huge challenges after the landslide destroyed our classrooms. Our students are now learning in safe and well-equipped classrooms.”
Chairperson Deepa, Sunkoshi Rural Municipality added, “Plan International Nepal has been a steadfast partner, supporting us before and after disasters. Their work is transforming education and lives in our community.”
“We faced huge challenges after the landslide destroyed our classrooms. Our students are now learning in safe and well-equipped classrooms.”
Sarbeshwaar, Principal
Community recovery and environmental action
Community involvement has also been central to recovery. The municipality, with support from the YEED project, planted 1,200 saplings across 8 locations, including school grounds. Covering 1.89 hectares, the plantation includes various species. These efforts are helping to restore the local environment and reduce future landslide risks.
Parents and students have welcomed the changes. Dhan Bahadur, School Management Committee Chair, said, “We are proud to have the TLC in our school. It has created a safer learning environment, and children now come to school with happy faces, without fear of landslides.”
Samjhana, a parent, expressed, “We have seen real change in the school. Children are more engaged, and teachers are more confident.”
Kami Bahadur, a father, added, “We can now send our children to school without fear. The TLC has made school a place where children feel safe and love to learn.”
“We can now send our children to school without fear. The TLC has made school a place where children feel safe and love to learn.”
Kami Bahadur, a father
The community has also acted to improve facilities. With parents’ support, the school constructed toilets and a handwashing station. Temporary hygiene stations and toilets were also set up by the municipality and the school.
This combined approach, strengthening school infrastructure, restoring the environment, and engaging the community, demonstrates how Plan International Nepal and its partners are helping children return to safe, quality education while building resilience for the future.
Categories: Early childhood development, Education, Emergencies
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