UNICEF’s Safe School

INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY STRENGTHENING FOR SAFE SCHOOLS AND CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION ACTION IN NEPAL

As part of the UNICEF’s Safe School Program, the National Society for Earthquake Technology- Nepal (NSET) is launching the “Institutional Capacity Strengthening for Safe Schools and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Action in Nepal” initiative from October 2023 to July 2025. This program aligns with UNICEF’s Country Program Action Plan (2023-2027), focusing on enhancing the capacity of governments and communities to manage risks and ensure school safety. NSET aims to develop interventions to bolster the resilience of schools and communities against various hazards, particularly climate-related risks. Key activities include updating guidelines for the Comprehensive School Safety Master Plan and Green School Guideline, alongside strengthening local government capacities in targeted municipalities. This initiative seeks to create safer educational environments while addressing the challenges posed by climate change in Nepal.

OBJECTIVES
To enhance the capacity of three government levels, selected municipalities, and their schools in Nepal to develop inclusive educational continuity management for Safe Schools and Climate Change Mitigation.

ACTIVITIVES
The major activities accomplished so far are:
• Signed MoU with Four LGs: Kirtipur, Changunarayan, Mahalaxmi Municipality, Lalitpur Metropolitan City.
• Baseline Survey: Baseline Survey was conducted of 432 students of 70 schools at program municipalities to measure increased percentage of students who actively apply climate change mitigation actions into their daily lives.
• Eco Club Formation: In a remarkable initiative, the Eco Club Formation took place across 61 schools at program, with a total of 1,034 participants. This included 498 males and 536 females, with 10 individuals identified as having a disability status.
• EQ Drill and Orientation: The EQ Drill and Orientation included total 3 event at program municipalities, with a total of 634 participants, comprising 307 males and 327 females. This activity had 3 participants with a disability status.
• Cluster Formation: The Cluster Formation comprised 1 event, involving a total of 70 participants, with 51 males and 19 females. There were no participants identified as having a disability status.
• Teachers Training: The Teachers Training program included 3 events, engaging a total of 74 participants, consisting of 36 males and 38 females. There were no participants with a disability status.
• Placard Campaign: The Placard Campaign consisted of 1 event, attracting a total of 191 participants, with 108 males and 83 females. There were no participants identified as having a disability status.
• Development of 5 PSAs and 15 standard messages on DRR and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Guideline Update and Development: Green School guideline and Comprehensive School Safety Master Plan are under progress of updating.
• Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan (DPRP) for Nepal Education Cluster: The update on DPRP was completed with communication and collaboration between federal, provincial, and local authorities, along with other stakeholders.

GEOGRPHICAL COVERAGE
The program is being implemented in 4 local levels: Kirtipur, Changunarayan, Mahalaxmi and Lalitpur Metropolitan City of 3 districts Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur