School reconstruction nears completion a decade after 2015 earthquake

A decade after the devastating 2015 earthquake and its aftershocks, Sindhupalchok district in Nepal is witnessing the near-complete reconstruction of its school infrastructure. The disaster had razed 3,620 classrooms across 528 schools, but modern buildings now stand in their place, from remote Himalayan settlements to mid-hill villages.

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Almost all other school buildings across the district have already been completed.

According to the District Project Implementation Unit (Education), the reconstruction effort is largely complete, with only a few projects remaining. Approximately 200 schools were rebuilt with support from donor agencies and non-governmental organizations, while the government funded the majority. Major construction phases occurred between 2018 and 2020, with ongoing work on additional classrooms and structures funded by provincial budgets.

Recent contributions include two schools rebuilt with Chinese assistance in Listikot and Budepa, near the Nepal-China border. These facilities, Ugrachandi Secondary School and Sunkoshi Secondary School, were reconstructed at a cost of nearly $6.95 million (approximately Rs1 billion) by China Railway First Group Company Limited. The project manager noted the completion was achieved on schedule despite challenging terrain and weather.

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Despite the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, we completed the project on schedule.

These rebuilt schools, such as Ugrachandi Secondary School with 12 classrooms and Sunkoshi Secondary School with 13, now offer enhanced facilities including hostels, canteens, and playgrounds, serving hundreds of students. Local community leaders believe the new infrastructure will significantly improve access to education in high-altitude areas, where unsafe buildings and long travel distances previously disrupted learning. The inclusion of hostel facilities is particularly beneficial for children from remote regions.

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Students previously faced disruptions because of unsafe buildings and long travel distances. The hostel facilities now make it much easier for children coming from far-flung areas.