The 5.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Bajhang on October 3, 2023, followed by aftershocks reaching as high as 6.3 on the Richter scale, caused significant damage to many school buildings in Thalara Rural Municipality (RM). This led to a shortage of classrooms, disrupting the teaching and learning process. As constructing permanent buildings immediately was not feasible, UMN’s local partner, Progressive Youth Society, collaborated with the local government of Thalara RM to provide technical and financial support. Together, they built earthquake-resistant, child-friendly temporary learning centres, which were handed over to eight schools across different municipality wards last week.

We are delighted to see the children of these eight schools now in a safe and secure learning environment. Thanks be to God.