Improve Health & School Environment in Namdu Nepal

Even after one and half years of earthquake, many Nepalese people are still facing its effects and are adapting to the situations which changed their life, home, thoughts and has brought a new vibe of helping, uniting, supporting and many warm thoughts to smile. Namdu, a remote village lying about 72 kilometers north from Kathmandu, still struggles the scars of earthquake. In Namdu, there are still many open parts which need to be patched.

On November 22–24, 2016, WASH related baseline survey was conducted in 8 schools of Namdu, where the ECCA counselors obtained details of school and the students’ behavior regarding WASH. The condition of school is very delicate; students, teachers and community members are still facing the difficulties brought by the earthquake.

The survey shows that the students have some knowledge about hygiene but they have not practiced it in their behavior. Students are still required to study in temporary classrooms, facing the cold weather and studying on the cold floor. In some schools, the students are still studying in damaged buildings. Toilets bear the notice “Not safe” but are still being used. Most of the people lack detail knowledge on personal health, sanitation, safe drinking water and use of toilet. Students and teachers drink untreated water. Schools do not have a proper hand washing station neither soap. Students do not have access of water in school (to drink or to flush in the toilet).

Even after knowing the situation, the school management and the community members are neglecting the WASH sector. Thus, an attempt to bring improvement in the WASH sector has been initiated by ECCA, with the support from GlobalGiving UK and Big Lottery Fund. Having the knowledge is not enough. One should practice it in their daily life. We aim to bring positive changes in the lives of people of Namdu, by starting from the schools.

We thank GlobalGiving UK and Big Lottery Fund for the support.