Another new school building in a remote corner of Nepal

It is the most underdeveloped area of Nepal where Nepalhilfe Beilngries latest school project is under construction and is located in Humla in Karnali Province. This classification does not only refer to the geographical location but also to the economic and educational sector. This also applies to the infrastructure. 

Due to its exposed location alone, the Humla region is especially reserved for tourists who are looking for seldom-travelled paths, the pristine nature of the country and thus rudimentary supplies in a grandiose, secluded natural setting, such as around the Rara Lake.

Agriculture for subsistence determines the daily life of the people there. India and the neighbouring Tibet to the north offer the only opportunities for earning the necessary money.

Two new buildings enlarge and secure school location 

The Ramdev Basic School in Tanjakot in the Humla District is the place where the first of two buildings for 362 children and their 13 teachers is currently being constructed. According to the present construction plan, this is estimated to cost 70,000 Euros. The construction of this two-storey building with its four rooms, a toilet wing and the necessary water supply thus also offers 100 residents the temporary possibility of work and earning money directly "on their doorstep".  

In the run-up to the project, the leaders of the small community had already decided to use the 15,000 Euros provided by the government from the "Karnali Self Employment Programme" to finance the preparatory work, such as the creation of a sufficient area and the earthworks.

The first part is to be completed by the end of this year, before the second half is built next year. Both will then frame the existing ground-level building with its six rooms, which was built by hand. The fact that the building needs to be upgraded and secured can be seen in the pictures, where the shiny blue metal roof belies the true condition of the building. Thus, classes are held outdoors whenever the weather permits.  Coincidentally, the Kadoori Foundation, which provides electricity and water to underdeveloped regions, is currently active in Tanjakot. So the construction work and the necessary water/electricity supply will go hand in hand.

No connection to Nepal's road network

Until a year ago, the nearest larger village, Simikot, could only be reached after a four-day walk. The new gravel road now makes it easier to get there. However, it is only possible to continue from the small airfield, as the entire region is not connected to Nepal's road network.

Despite the isolated location, the activities of Nepalhilfe Beilngries had come to the attention of the local representatives in Kathmandu in November 2021 with a perfect prepared letter of application for the construction of a school.  Nevertheless, against 

the background of the difficult circumstances regarding distance and lack of infrastructure, financing was viewed with a certain degree of scepticism. Necessary agreements, controls and the indispensable personal contacts seemed difficult to implement.

Initial reservations overcome

Shyam Pandit, one of the local coordinators in Kathmandu, therefore set out on a six-day trip to "Far West" in March this year to assess the situation himself and to have an own impression. He held talks with the applicants Him Bahadur Shahi and his brother-in-law Kal Bahadur Hamal, who are responsible for the local coordination. He also met with the responsible civil engineer, political leaders and the villagers. A few weeks later, both applicants came to Kathmandu for a meeting, whereupon financial support was assured.

Another coincidence played into the hands of all those involved, as the Nepalese government decided in spring to place the future focus of education and training on support in the remote regions of the country, instead of the often practised focus on the country's large cities. The project supported by Nepalhilfe Beilngries comes at just the right time, also from a political point of view.