Empowering 15000 Students in Madesh

May 9, 2024

United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Nepal, in collaboration with China Aid, has extended support to twenty-five schools in Madhesh Province of Nepal. On 9 May 2024. “Support for schools and communities in remote areas for Pandemic Prevention and Green Recovery” project provided school kits at Shree Saraswati Secondary School, Barahathawa Municipality in Sarlahi district. This has benefitted 15,000 students, and 7500 families.

UNDP Nepal's DRR involved in plantation efforts

 

During the project inauguration and handover event, H.E Chen Song, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal highlighted that, the project would create safe and healthy learning environment for students and communities against extreme weather events, disasters, and extreme shocks.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal H.E. Chen Song at a ceremony distributing recovery materials

 

Meanwhile, Provincial Minister for Physical Infrastructures and Development Saroj Kumar Yadav expressed gratitude for selecting Madhesh Province for establishing new model projects. Stating that mega development projects are being developed in China, Minister Yadav said that it could have a huge significance for Nepal’s development and prosperity.

Similarly, Kalpana Kumari Katuwal, Mayor of Barahathawa Municipality added "This new initiative could bring significant changes in the lives of general public, mostly to poor and backward communities.”

UNDP Nepal's DRR distributing school materials

 

Furthermore, Julien Chevillard, UNDP Nepal’s Deputy Resident Representative, stated that investment in education and green recovery is crucial to address the impacts of climate change, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

The project’s major activities include improving the classroom learning environment and water and sanitation facilities by providing furniture and equipment/material support. Additionally, it focuses on enhancing the health and safety of the students from the pandemic by offering health protection and sanitation equipment support. Furthermore, it aims to ensure the health safety and recovery of 7,500 children’s families and associated communities from the impacts of the pandemic and extreme environmental conditions. Additionally, the project also plans to distribute essential items like mats and improved stoves to the communities.