Empower Nepal to Rebuild Safer Houses and Schools

After the 2015 April 25^th and May 12^th earthquakes 6,000 schools in Nepal were damaged or destroyed. This is 47,000 classrooms no longer able to function, many of which are located in rural areas. Sindhupalchok District was one of the most affected by the earthquake and presents numerous school structures completely demolished. In the immediate aftermath many organizations built Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) to meet with the emergency needs. Generally, some TLCs were provided per school but were not able to cover the full demand of affected students. Also, with the past monsoon and winter seasons many of these structures are no longer suitable learning environments.

After field visits to visual assess schools and the possible impact of a retrofit program, Build Change, with your support, selected a school for a pilot program. Jana Jyoti Lower Secondary School welcomes 150 students between the ages of five and thirteen. Before the earthquake it had eight classrooms in three different buildings, one science lab, one administration office, one computer lab, and a kindergarten.

During the earthquake, two of the classroom buildings were destroyed, together with the administration building. Currently two bamboo TLCs have been set up that allow the functioning of four classrooms. The rest of the classes happen under tents or under the remaining trusses, but with no walls. Two of the structures that were demolished still have structurally good trusses. Build Change elected to infill those structures to return them to their normal function, but earthquake resistant!

 Since beginning construction in May much progress has been completed. The walls have been reconstructed and secured to the foundation and light weight wooden panels have been attached in place of the heavy block walls that completely collapsed during the earthquake. Once the school is completed teachers and students will be safe from the harsh winter elements and the threat of future earthquakes. Build Change is looking forward to using the lessons learned, with your help, during this pillot to retrofit an additonal six schools throughout Nepal ensuring that children and teacers have safe spaces to learn.