Program Client: Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

Reconstruction of Earthquake-Resilient and Eco-Friendly Schools in Jajarkot, Nepal

The proposed project will construct two earthquake-resistant and eco-friendly school buildings Shree Kalika Aadarsha Primary School (Garchhina) and Birendra Primary School (Bhargaun)located in Nalgad Municipality–6, Jajarkot District. The project will deliver a total of 9 classrooms and 2 blocks of 4 toilets using interlocking Compressed Stabilized Earth Bricks (CSEB), a green construction technology recommended by the Government of Nepal for post-earthquake reconstruction in earthquake-affected areas.

The approach contributes to Nepal’s Long-term Strategy for Net Zero Emissions (2045) by reducing dependency on fired bricks and cutting CO₂ emissions by an estimated 49 tonnes during construction. This initiative is also in line with the National Reconstruction Guidelines (2023), which prioritize sustainable, locally adaptable, and disaster-resilient building practices.

Beyond infrastructure development, the project will strengthen local capacity, livelihoods, and community resilience by establishing a community-led CSEB production enterprise and providing hands-on training to local masons and affected families in earthquake-resistant construction techniques, ensuring long-term sustainability and safer rebuilding in the region.

OBJECTIVES

  • Create a locally led enterprise to produce and build with interlocking CSEB.

  • Rebuild two earthquake-resistant schools with 9 classrooms (4+5) and 2 toilet blocks.

  • Train 20 local masons in earthquake-resistant construction techniques.

  • Empower local families to rebuild damaged homes in a disaster-resistant and cost-effective manner.

  • Provide classroom furniture for all newly constructed classrooms.

  • Develop a school safety plan in collaboration with school authorities and local government.

  • Strengthen coordination and linkages with municipal offices and education authorities to ensure sustainability and policy alignment.

KEY ACTIVITIES

Component 1: Community Engagement and Coordination

  • Conduct consultative meetings with Nalgad Municipality, School Management Committees (SMCs) of Shree Kalika Aadarsha Primary School and Birendra Primary School, and community leaders.

  • Organize focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents, teachers, and students to ensure inclusivity, gender sensitivity, and community ownership.

  • Establish a local coordination mechanism to monitor construction progress and ensure transparency and accountability.

Component 2: Construction of Safe and Eco-Friendly School Infrastructure

  • Construct two school buildings (9 classrooms total) following Government of Nepal’s School Physical Infrastructure Guidelines.

  • Build two toilet blocks (4 units each) with gender-segregated facilities and WASH improvements.

  • Provide essential classroom furniture (benches, desks, chairs, and blackboards).

Component 3: Local Capacity Building and Livelihood Support

  • Establish a community-led CSEB production enterprise, equipped with machinery, tools, and safety gear.

  • Conduct CSEB production training for selected local groups.

  • Train 20 local masons on earthquake-resistant construction and safe building practices.

  • Provide on-the-job mentoring during school construction to reinforce learning-by-doing.

Component 4: School Safety and Sustainability

  • Develop and implement a school safety plan, including disaster drills and maintenance guidance.

  • Engage local education and disaster management authorities to integrate safety practices into school management.

  • Promote awareness on eco-friendly construction and environmental conservation among students and parents.

Component 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

  • Conduct baseline and endline assessments to measure improvements in school infrastructure and community construction skills.

  • Facilitate regular monitoring visits by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Social Welfare Council (SWC), and local authorities to ensure quality, compliance, and learning documentation.

Key Highlights

  • 7-Day Masons Training on Earthquake-Resistant Building Construction – Conducted at Nalgad Municipality Ward No. 6 Office, Bhargaun, Jajarkot District, from 16–22 February 2026, with 20 participants.

  • Orientation and Capacity Building on Earthquake Risk Reduction, School Damage Assessment, and Reconstruction – Conducted in Bhargaun, Nalgad Municipality–6, with 28 participants.

  • CSEB (Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks) and Interlocking Brick Production Training – Conducted from 18–22 March 2026 to enhance local skills in alternative resilient construction techniques, with 30 participants.