South Asian journalists take stock of build back better initiatives

By   Sharachchandra Bhandary

Kathmandu, 27 November (RSS) : Visiting senior journalists from four South Asian nations travelled to the newly reconstructed Sanjiwani Secondary School in Dhulikhel and took stock of reconstruction process and resilience to natural disasters.

The event was held under the capacity building regional press tour organised by the Asian Development Bank, Headquarters on the theme, ‘Disaster risk management, regional tourism promotion.’   The media persons also interacted with the members of the school Management Committee, teachers and students and observed rescue and evacuation drill by the teachers and pupils. Such drills are part of safety measures introduced in all schools after the devastating earthquake of 2015.

Lokendra Dhakal, the Principal of the school apprised the journalists about the ‘build back better’ initiative of the Nepal government and the teaching-learning procedure and safety of the students. He also informed that 200 new students previously studying in private school had joined Sanjiwani. “Disaster resilience school buildings and reputation of school on imparting quality education attracted pupils and parents to our school,” he said beaming with smile and added, “The new school premise has improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities with separate lavatories for boys and girls.”

Dilip Shrestha, Deputy Project Director at the Central Level Project Implementation Unit on Education, National Reconstruction Authority(NRA) shared that  all the schools reconstructed after the earthquake with the ADB and other development partners’ support follow better standards, building norms, and amenities. He expressed grave concern over the funding gap for the reconstruction works across the quake-hit districts.

The ADB is supporting the reconstruction of 154 such schools badly damaged by the 2015 earthquake under the Earthquake Emergency Assistance Project. The newly constructed  schools are not only safe and earthquake resistant, but also have better facilities. A safe and nurturing learning environment goes a long way in helping children develop their full potential.

Sanjiwani school is one of the 9 model schools reconstructed under the project. Besides 32 new classrooms, the school has a 12-room hostel for out-of-town students. To enhance science education, the school has been provided with ICT and science laboratories equipment. The model school concept is a new initiative under the government’s School Sector Development Program, which aims to improve the quality of education in Nepal.

The ADB is supporting the government’s efforts to put thousands of children back into schools. A total of 162 schools, including 17 schools funded by USAID and 8 schools funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, are nearing completion with 90 schools already substantially completed under the project. ADB is also supporting reconstruction of 174 schools under the Disaster Resilience of Schools Project. ADB is supporting schools to prepare their own school disaster risk management plans. ADB support to Nepal reconstruction totals $382 million.

 People’s News Monitoring Service