Kathmandu: Two secondary school buildings in Sindhupalchowk district, destroyed by the 2015 earthquakes, have been successfully reconstructed with financial assistance from the Government of China.
The rebuilt institutions are Ugrachandi Secondary School in Listi, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality-1, and Sunkoshi Secondary School in Budepa, Karthali of Barhabise Municipality-2. Both schools were completely damaged in the devastating earthquakes of April 25 and May 12, 2015.
The reconstruction project was funded by the Agency for International Economic Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Commerce, which provided financial assistance of 6.95 million US dollars (approximately Rs. 1 billion). The construction work was undertaken by China Railway First Group Co. Ltd.
According to Chinese Project Manager Liu Chao, construction began on December 8, 2022, and was completed on December 31, 2025, despite geographical difficulties and natural challenges. He informed that the newly constructed school buildings will be formally handed over to Nepal’s Ministry of Education later this month.
At Sunkoshi Secondary School, a modern building covering 2,455 square metres has been constructed with 13 spacious and child-friendly classrooms, benefiting around 400 students. Additional facilities including a hostel, canteen, playground, boundary wall and main gate have also been developed.
Similarly, Ugrachandi Secondary School now features 12 well-equipped classrooms along with a separate hostel, canteen, playground, and a compound secured by a boundary wall and gate. The school serves approximately 350 students. The newly constructed complex spreads over 2,126 square metres.
Given that Listi lies in a remote Himalayan region, a hostel facility has been built to accommodate students traveling from distant villages.
Dorje Lama (Haude), a social activist from Listi, said the reconstruction has significantly benefited the local community, particularly children in the remote mountainous settlement, by ensuring improved educational infrastructure and residential facilities.
A total of 26 Chinese workers were deployed in Listi and Barhabise over the three-year construction period. Around 50 percent of the construction materials were imported from China, while cement, sand, timber and food supplies were sourced locally. Additionally, 210 Nepali workers were employed throughout the project and received timely and fair wages.
With the completion of the reconstruction, nearly 800 students are expected to study in safer, well-equipped and modern educational facilities.
