Earthquake and disaster risk reduction in Nepal

Dear Friends,

We are back with another report that highlights the recent efforts and updates made by our organization in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR). Over the past three months, significant strides have been made to enhance our capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and support community resilience.

Key Updates and Initiatives

1. Expansion of Community Health Staff: Our organization has its team dedicated to community health. This expansion ensures that we have skilled ANMs available 24 7 to deliver essential healthcare services during disasters and beyond.
2. Ensuring Medical Supply Sustainability: The clinic operated by our organization is now well-stocked with ample medicine reserves. This proactive measure mitigates the risk of shortages during emergencies, enabling us to provide uninterrupted healthcare services to the community.
3. Enhanced Support from Central Office: The central office team has been equipped and is actively engaged in providing continuous support and guidance to our field staff. This coordinated effort ensures a seamless response to emergencies and effective implementation of disaster preparedness plans.
4. Deployment of Emergency Tents: In readiness for rapid deployment during emergencies, our organization maintains a stock of tents. These tents are strategically positioned to swiftly provide shelter and support to affected communities in crisis situations.
5. Emergency Kit Bag: A critical asset in our disaster response arsenal is the emergency kit bag. This kit is meticulously prepared and always ready for immediate deployment. It contains essential supplies and tools necessary to initiate emergency response efforts promptly.

The recent enhancements and preparedness measures undertaken by our organization reflect our commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction. These efforts are aimed at safeguarding communities and ensuring swift and effective responses to emergencies. Because of your continuous support, we remain dedicated to provide service in rural area.

Thank you for your continued support and consideration.

Sincerely,

PHASE Nepal Team

Dear all,

As you know PHASE Nepal has been working in the disaster-prone areas for long and more intensively after the earthquake of 2015. As Nepal has seen an episode of COVID-19, floods every year and an Earthquake in the western region in 2023 our works is continuing. Recently, we have shared you about our relief work in the earthquake affected region in the west. In today’s update, we want to share with you an update about rebuilding an Earthquake affected schools nearly after eight years of the Earthquake 2015. As PHASE Nepal supported in rebuilding and supporting about 60 schools in Sindhupalchok and Gorkha of which 54 were building temporary learning centers and rest were repair and reconstructions.

While after things went to normal government planned to rebuild all earthquake affected schools, many of them were left out because of insufficient assessment as well as lack of resources. Dhanjala Basic school of Baruwa, Sindhupalchok is one such school which was left out. The communities of Baruwa have been approaching PHASE for the support and PHASE was finding the funds and finally this has been materialized. To bring back the access to education for the disaster affected children, PHASE has provided educational materials after completing the building and have planned to provide training to the teachers too.

The school currently serves a total of 75 students, 39 boys and 36 girls. With a dedicated team of six teachers, including three males and three females, along with an office helper, the school operates smoothly, ensuring every student receives quality education.

The reconstruction of the school building has had a profound impact on the teaching and learning environment. Our PHASE Nepal staff has been frequently visiting the school. The new classrooms has significantly eased teaching activities. Students now have enough spaces for both learning and play, fostering a more interactive and engaging educational experience.

Moreover, teachers benefit from a separate office room, allowing them to focus on essential tasks such as lesson planning and administrative duties. This separation of spaces enhances efficiency and productivity among educators, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes for students.

In addition to rebuilding the school infrastructure, various teaching and learning materials has been provided to support the educational activities both students and teachers. The materials included audio visual screens, projectors for facilitating internet based audio visual learning, floorings for the room, speakers and mics for extracurricular activities along with teaching materials for teachers.

These resources not only facilitate interactive and multimedia-based teaching but also contribute to creating a vibrant and comfortable learning environment within the school premises.

The successful reconstruction of the Dhananjala Basic School, coupled with the provision of essential teaching and learning resources, underscores the importance of collaboration and support in ensuring access to quality education for all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your invaluable contribution, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the lives of the students and the entire community. We remain committed to fostering educational excellence and look forward to further collaboration in the future.

PHASE Nepal team.