Four Groundbreakings Secure Children’s Future in the Himalayas

The situation in Suli Bhanjyang is one example of why schools are among Back to Life’s most important construction projects. Over the years, the Bal Secondary School grew from a small primary school – with an additional building – into a secondary school with 260 pupils. But the old school building has since become dilapidated; it meets neither government standards nor earthquake-safety requirements. The roof leaks, several rooms are almost unusable, and many children have to sit on the floor or outside. The nearest school offering a lower-secondary qualification is too far to reach on foot. For many, that is reason enough to drop out of school altogether for lack of options. Most of the families belong to Nepal’s poorest and most marginalized population groups, such as the Dalits; their voices are rarely heard and their hardships go unanswered. The new building – with modern classrooms, electricity and water supply, sanitary facilities and a proper playground – at last opens up a real prospect for them. For every school day protects children from child labor, every bit of education there guards them against child marriage and builds health awareness, and every lesson opens up to the children the future opportunities they deserve. With a higher qualification and the corresponding vocational training, they can change life for their entire region.