File:Better quality learning in a safe environment (8423292169).jpg

When an elephant destroyed their ramshackle school building, more than 100 children at the Manakamana Primary School in Kailali, Nepal, were left without a classroom. But thanks to support from UK aid from the Department for International Development, these students are now able to continue their education in a new building built to withstand shocks more powerful than elephants.

Nokhiram Kumal, Headmaster at Manakamana Primary School in Kailali stands in front of the new school building. “The original school building was very dangerous and not very well built. When it was damaged by the elephant, it was not safe to continue lessons inside," says Nokhiram.

“It was very difficult for the children to learn anything when we had no building. We tried to teach them outside but we had no facilities for them to use – no blackboard or furniture. Children cannot learn without a proper environment.

“Some of the children walked for an hour to the school in the nearest village but it was a very long journey and they had to walk through a river to get there as there is no bridge.

“We are so grateful for the new building. We have tables, chairs and blackboards so I can teach them properly. We are already seeing big improvements in their reading and writing. They are learning so much more and are doing better in tests. Their parents are so happy as this will make such a difference to their children.”

The Community Support Programme has improved school facilities for 2,800 communities – benefitting 600,000 families. More than 1,000 other community projects are being supported to benefit 116,000 households.