In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Jajarkot and Rukum (West) districts, the local communities are stepping up their efforts to construct temporary structures in schools that were ravaged by the seismic event. These initiatives aim to expedite the resumption of educational activities that had been disrupted by the natural disaster.
Following a hiatus due to festive occasions, both public and private schools in the earthquake-affected areas are gradually reopening their doors for teaching and learning. Despite the challenges posed by the earthquake in Rukum (West) and Jajarkot, ongoing efforts are evident in the construction of temporary facilities to facilitate the return of students to classrooms.
Several schools in the region are gearing up to recommence teaching and learning activities as early as the upcoming Tuesday. In a proactive measure, some institutions are opting for the construction of makeshift huts to ensure the continuity of education in the interim.
The Ministry of Social Development under the Karnali province government has announced the commencement of teaching and learning activities in Nalgad municipality of Jajarkot district, a particularly hard-hit area by the earthquake. According to Balbir BK, the acting Chief Administrative Officer of Nalgad municipality's education section, a total of 58 schools were impacted, with 128 classrooms sustaining complete damage.
Balbir BK further revealed that educational activities would resume in partially damaged schools starting from tomorrow. In response, head teachers have issued notices urging all teachers to attend school promptly as efforts intensify to restore normalcy.
Narendra KC, the head teacher of Pancha Bhayar Secondary School, assured that teaching and learning would recommence in undamaged schools immediately, thanks to the deployment of temporary tents. He urged both teachers and students to attend school without hesitation.
Acknowledging the ongoing efforts, Yagya Bahadur Khatri, Chief of Social Development Office in Jajarkot, emphasized the commitment to restarting teaching and learning activities in all earthquake-affected schools. As preparations continue, the construction of learning centers in these damaged schools is underway, with expectations that it may take some time to fully operationalize the educational institutions in the wake of the earthquake.
