Nepal: Homes Razed, Futures Shaken as Evictions Hit Students Before Critical Exams

The recent government-led demolition drives in Nepal's informal settlements, particularly in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manohara, have cast a dark shadow over the crucial Class 12 examinations for many students. These exams are a pivotal moment, shaping future educational and career paths. However, for students from these affected areas, the academic hurdle has been compounded by the sudden and devastating loss of their homes.

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We never believed the government would act this harshly.

The destruction of hundreds of makeshift homes has not only displaced families but has also inflicted deep psychological trauma at a time when focus and stability are paramount. Witnessing years of lived experience reduced to rubble days before a critical exam is an unimaginable ordeal. The disruption extends beyond the physical loss; it has shattered the sense of security for these young individuals.

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We didn’t even tell our daughter that the house might be demolished. We wanted her to focus on her exams. She went to tuition, thinking everything was fine. When she came back and saw the house gone, she just cried.

As reported by the Kathmandu Post, the situation highlights a stark disconnect between the state's actions and the immediate needs of its citizens. The government's harshness in carrying out these demolitions, as expressed by a displaced mother, has left many in disbelief. The article underscores the unique challenge faced by these students: battling the emotional fallout of displacement while simultaneously striving for academic success in exams that could define their futures. This crisis is not just about housing; it's about the fundamental right to education and stability during formative years, a perspective often overlooked in broader national development narratives.

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We wouldn’t wish this on an enemy. Everything we had built over 25 years is gone. Even my daughter’s books were crushed in the house.