Education and Literacy

Furniture Support in School – 2023 Earthquake

Restore essential classroom facilities for students affected by the 2023 earthquake Provide durable and safe classroom furniture suitable for post-disaster conditions Improve learning conditions by enhancing classroom functionality and student comfort

Project Overview & Objectives

Background and Rationale

On 3 November 2023, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Jajarkot District in Karnali
Province, Nepal, causing widespread damage to public infrastructure, including schools.
Shree Bheri Triveni Secondary School was severely affected, resulting in the loss of
functional classroom furniture and disruption of regular learning activities for hundreds
of students.

Recognizing the urgent need to restore a safe and functional learning environment, the
Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town, in partnership with BIKAS, Salvatoriaanse
Hulpactie, and Ontwikkelingshulp vzw, initiated a furniture support project. The project
was implemented by Volunteer Corps Nepal in close coordination with school
management and Bheri Municipality, aligning with Rotary’s focus on Basic Education
and Literacy.

Project Overview

Project Title: Furniture Support for Shree Bheri Triveni Secondary School
Location: Jajarkot District, Karnali Province, Nepal
Rotary Partner: Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town
Other Donors: BIKAS, Salvatoriaanse Hulpactie, Ontwikkelingshulp vzw
Implementing Partner: Volunteer Corps Nepal

The project supported the newly constructed school building through the supply and
installation of 165 sets of three-seater desk benches, benefiting approximately 490
students from Grades 1–10 across 12 classrooms.

Objectives

Restore essential classroom facilities for students affected by the 2023 earthquake
Provide durable and safe classroom furniture suitable for post-disaster conditions
Improve learning conditions by enhancing classroom functionality and student comfort

Implementation Process

Following consultations with school management and Bheri Municipality, it was agreed
that all classroom furniture would be fully wooden, in accordance with municipal
standardization policies and child-friendly learning guidelines.

This specification increased the overall project cost. To ensure compliance and
maintain quality standards, Bheri Municipality provided additional financial support,
enabling timely procurement and installation. Volunteer Corps Nepal managed
procurement, transportation, and installation, ensuring adherence to agreed
specifications.

Results and Impact

165 sets of three-seater desk benches successfully installed
490 students now have safe, adequate, and durable seating
Improved classroom organization, comfort, and learning environment
Supported the smooth resumption of formal education after the earthquake
The project has contributed directly to the recovery of the school and strengthened confidence
among students, teachers, and the wider community.

Financial Summary (NPR)

Original Approved Budget: 2,449,500
Additional Contribution from Bheri Municipality: 105,000
Revised Total Project Budget: 2,554,500

Funding Contributions

Bheri Municipality: 105,000
BIKAS (1st installment): 1,034,892
Salvatoriaanse Hulpactie: 746,060
Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town: 140,848
Total Funds Received to Date: 2,026,740
Outstanding Balance: 422,760

As previously communicated, NPR 244,950 of the outstanding balance will be received as the
second installment from BIKAS.

Project Completion and Handover

The project has been successfully completed. All furniture has been delivered and installed in the
classrooms of Shree Bheri Triveni Secondary School.
An official handover ceremony was organized on May 27, 2026, at Shree Bheri Triveni Secondary
School, Bheri Municipality, Jajarkot District.
The event was attended by representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, Rotary Club of
Kathmandu Mid-Town, Volunteer Corps Nepal, local government representatives, school
representatives, and community stakeholders.

Key Guests Included:

Mr. Shinto Yasuharu, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Embassy of Japan in Nepal
Mr. Chandra Prakash Gharti, Mayor of Bheri Municipality
Mr. Paras SJB Rana, Assistant Governor, Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town
Ms. Nita Rana
Ms. Jyotshna Shrestha, Past President, RCKMT
Mr. Deepak Chapagain, Former President of Volunteer Corps Nepal
Mr. Ananta Gautam, President of Volunteer Corps Nepal
The ceremony included welcome remarks, speeches from stakeholders, official handover activities,
group photo sessions, and closing remarks. The event highlighted the collective commitment of
partners and stakeholders toward supporting education recovery in earthquake-affected
communities.

Conclusion

This Rotary-supported initiative has made a meaningful contribution to post-earthquake
educational recovery in Jajarkot District. Through strong collaboration between Rotary,
partner organizations, the implementing partner, and local government, a safe,
functional, and dignified learning environment has been restored for nearly 500
students.
The project reflects Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self by supporting education,
community resilience, and sustainable recovery in an earthquake-affected region.
Submitted with sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town
BIKAS, Salvatoriaanse Hulpactie, and Ontwikkelingshulp vzw, for their valued
support and leadership.

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