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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Demolition drive displaces over 500 students as schools razed in Kathmandu Valley

From Kathmandu Post · (5m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Authorities in Nepal demolished three community schools in the Kathmandu Valley, displacing over 500 students.
  • The schools, run up to Grade 8, were razed during an eviction drive targeting squatter settlements, leaving students and parents uncertain about the upcoming academic year.
  • Discussions are ongoing with local municipalities and district administration regarding the future of the affected students and schools, with options like merging with nearby institutions being considered.

The Kathmandu Post reports on a deeply concerning situation unfolding in the Kathmandu Valley, where the demolition of three community schools has left more than 500 students in limbo. These institutions, serving up to Grade 8, were razed as part of an eviction drive targeting informal settlements. The timing, at the start of the academic year, is particularly harsh, disrupting the education of young learners and causing significant anxiety for parents and educators alike.

We have stored school materials in a ward office’s community building. There is no fixed arrangement for classes.

— Indira MahatThe headteacher of Saraswati Basic School describes the immediate aftermath of the school's demolition.

Headteachers from Saraswati Basic School, Buddhyoti Uddhan Basic School, and Balkalyan Basic School have voiced their distress. Materials have been stored, and students are being temporarily housed in nearby facilities, but the lack of a fixed arrangement for classes highlights the chaotic aftermath of these demolitions. While authorities are in discussions with municipal and district offices, proposing mergers with existing schools, no firm decisions have been made. This uncertainty is a heavy burden for the affected communities.

There has been consultation on merging Saraswati with nearby community schools. A decision is pending as the mayor is abroad.

— Krishna Hari AcharyaThe ward chair and municipal spokesperson discusses the ongoing process to address the displaced schools.

Residents and teachers argue for relocation rather than merger, emphasizing the need for proper consultation before such drastic actions are taken. The rebuilding efforts after the 2015 earthquake for some of these schools make the demolitions even more poignant. Local officials state that talks are ongoing, with a decision pending. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City spokesperson confirmed that displaced schools will be merged, with no new ones to be opened, a move that has drawn criticism from child rights activists. This situation underscores a critical tension between urban development and the fundamental right to education in Nepal.

We have moved materials to Tarun Secondary School and asked students and teachers to report there.

— Shantaram ShresthaThe headteacher of Buddhyoti School explains the temporary arrangements after their building was demolished.
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Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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