Nepal: The B Project
New Classroom Roof on Just in Time: April-August 2018
October 01, 2018
Sandesh Dhakal and Deanna Boulard
Summary of Activities
BUN has trained local construction workers to manufacture bricks using a compressed stabilized earth block (CSEB) machine, their engineer is leading the entire construction process, and we are overseeing the project. Construction is progressing well:
- Build Up Nepal (BUN) Operation Manager and Lead Engineer Kulendra Neupane, visited the construction site on April 8, 2018 to inspect the ongoing work.
- Lower walls were completed by April 24, 2018, and work started on door frames, window frames, and roof trusses.
- By June 26, 2018, construction had progressed to roof level.
- By August 1, 2018, the veranda and roof had been completed, and interior finishing, wiring, painting, furniture, doors, windows, and flooring were ready to be installed. Partial payment has been made to BUN for the work completed thus far.
We held a meeting with the teachers of various schools that we support in Sindhupalchok district, before the schools reopen after the monsoon break. Ideas and stories were shared on various topics, including motivation, hygiene, extracurricular activities, attendance, and confidence building of the students.
Full Report
Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Roof Complete
Cover from Monsoons
Soon after the roof of the new classrooms was completed, the old temporary structure—where students have been attending class since 2015 turned into a mud-pool due to the monsoon rains. As a result, students were moved to the new classrooms despite the lack of interior finishing. Our next focus will be to provide internal furnishing and education supplies, while continuing to support teachers at the school.
Cultivating Teachers
Gaining Skill
We enrolled 2 teachers, 1 from Shree Bachalamai Basic School in Lekharka and 1 from Balsudhar Primary School in Kafle, for an Early Childhood Development (ECD) course in Kathmandu. We expect the additional training to both facilitate teaching and improve children’s learning.
Gaining Teachers
Staff Approved
We hired 2 teachers for Shree Ganesh Primary School, Bhotenamlang at the request of the School Management Committee (SMC). A meeting was held on April 22, 2018 at Seven Summits Women’s office with SMC Chairman Devraj Gurung and Principal Nirmala Silwal of Shree Ganesh Primary School. The teachers were screened by the Seven Summits Women’s team as well as Mr. Gurung and Mrs. Silwal. The new teachers are Chakra Prasad Joshi, who will be teaching mathematics and computer science, and Sumitra Sitaula, who will be teaching Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Primary Level.
Completed Uniforms
Students Outfitted
After distributing the completed uniforms to 180 students at Balsudhar Primary School, Shree Bachalamai Basic School, and Panch Pokhari Basic School during February and March 2018, uniforms were completed for the fourth school, Golmeshwari Basic School in Tar. This is the largest school that we provided uniforms for, with a total of 252 students.
Provided Supplies
Facilitating Learning
During the reporting period, school supplies, including books, microscopes, and sports equipment were provided to Shree Ganesh Primary School.
Succession
Celebrating Promotion
A third new teacher, Sangita Tamang, was hired during the reporting period. She was appointed to Balsudhar Primary School on July 17, 2018 to replace Sharmila Adhikari (previously appointed to the school by RMF/Seven Summits Women). Ms. Adhikari was promoted as principal of Balsudhar Primary School after successfully passing a government exam.
Background
& Objectives
Background
Maya Gurung and Shailee Basnet are now respected leaders in their community. They have earned the reputation of being ‘doers’ among villagers who often only see ‘talkers.’ Maya and Shailee have signed an Memorandum of Understanding with the district government to rebuild five schools in Maya’s home village of Bhotenamlang in the district of Sindhupalchok. This district has the greatest death toll after the Nepal earthquake, and in Maya’s village, there is literally not a house standing. As a result, sex-trafficking is more rampant than ever. Keeping kids, especially girls, in school is the most effective way to ensure that they stay away from traffickers. Educating women in remote areas, as well as empowering them by creating choices, is the way to keep them safe and on track.
Objectives
- Rebuild, equip and staff six schools
- Create proper administration
- Facilitate running water and sanitary toilets
- Provide school supplies
- Provide counseling and teacher training & support
- Provide afternoon meals for children
- Establish initiatives to build awareness of anti-trafficking for children and adults
More
Photos
Click to enlarge
Success
Stories
Best Teacher Award
Sudip Bomjan
RMF/Seven Summits Women teacher, Sudip Bomjan, from Shree Bachalamai Basic School received the Best Teacher Award 2017/18, presented by President of Paanchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality, Mr. Tashi Lama.
