Library and classroom in Shermathang, Nepal
initial position
In April 2015, the Yangrima School was completely destroyed by the great earthquake. Some of the surrounding villages were also razed to the ground.
The new buildings should withstand an earthquake strength of at least 8 on the Richter scale, so the planning and implementation was correspondingly complex. In cooperation with the Just Nepal Foundation, Mountain Spirit Germany has agreed in a "Memorandum of Understanding" to co-finance the reconstruction. BOOKS FOR CHANGE was responsible for the library in this process.
It is a wild jeep ride from Kathmandu to Shermathang. The "road" is in a desolate condition, especially from Melamichgaon it is only a natural slope.
In 5 school buildings, 240 children and young people are currently being taught from pre-school to 12th grade. Students have moved from their "temporary tented classrooms" to the new classrooms.
The forecourt is laid out with stone slabs. We meet happy children's faces, we sing and dance. A team of a nep. Software company from Kathmandu, set up the computer room with the laptops (Labdoo) donated by Mountain Spirit. They hold workshops for the students on the computers.
Another four buildings and the canteen are in the process of being completed. In a further construction phase, a hostel is to complete the school. Later, up to 350 students, from pre-school to 12th grade, will be taught.
The school is led by Gopal Lama, a passionately motivated and visionary person who attaches great importance to environmental protection, good nutrition and sustainability. He himself grew up in this village and went to school here. A large school garden provides the pupils with seasonal vegetables and fruit. Environmental issues are actively discussed in class and implemented in practice. The Buddha Guest House with eight guest rooms, which was built from hemp concrete, was recently opened. The operating costs of the school are cross-financed by running the lodge, since many children cannot afford an education.
We attach great importance to:
- Community engagement of the local population
- Local project management and implementation
- Quality materials and learning environments
- promotion of teachers
Project
| project number | NEP 19-005 |
| Accompanied by | |
| project location |
Sermathang, Nepal 27°56'36"N 85°35'42"E |
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| main emphasis |
training |
| funding requirements |
6,000 francs |
| status |
Funded, project completed |
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The new school building in Sermathang |
The local workers are responsible for the furniture |
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Pranita and Headmaster Gopal Lama plan the project together |
The little ones especially look forward to the many children's books |
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A student from Shermathang |
location of the school |
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The library is also used as a classroom |
In the background the finished library in the renovated room |
Goals of the project
Creation of an oasis of exchange, learning and encounter by setting up a school library for children and pupils in grades one to five.
As a community center, the library is an important place for the children. It consists of a variety of books in the local language. Since mainly small children attend the school, the library is stocked with numerous children's books. In the library, the children can live out their creativity and various activities such as storytellers, reciting poems, handicrafts, art education, drawing, puzzles and tutoring take place there. The school library is an integral part of the teaching and learning process. The work of the class teachers is made easier by having additional teaching tools available and the children are motivated in a positive environment.
What we do
The library is intended to be a play, learn and meeting place for teachers, children and families.
- Setting up the existing space for a school library
- Setting up the school library with books and furniture
- Walls are painted child-friendly
- Floor is covered with mats and carpet
Effect
Books not only increase vocabulary, they also influence social behavior. Books inspire and stimulate the imagination. They satisfy children's curiosity and drive to discover the world. By reading aloud, the child experiences affection and attention. This creates trust, security and closeness. Children's books awaken later interest in books, making them an important educational tool. Children immerse themselves in these fantastical worlds and sometimes even act out their favorite scenes from the books, which develops other important skills. Children still move entirely in the world of experience and feeling and less in the mind. They develop sympathies or dislikes for the characters in the children's books. Books also train their social behavior.
The library makes the school more attractive and respected by the population and there are fewer school dropouts. The young people remain motivated to learn and thus have better chances of attending secondary school and learning a trade. Thanks to the strengthened reading and writing skills, you will remain informed in later phases of life, take an active part in social life and can stand up for your rights.
The measures will also make lessons more attractive for teachers. They are encouraged to continue their education and have more opportunities and flexibility to make the lessons varied and effective. Through the BOOKS FOR CHANGE further training courses, the teachers take part in a varied and varied program.
Indicators (impact measurement)
- Visitor and activity documentation
- Surveys teachers, children, students and parents
- image documentation
- reading and writing evaluations
Donate
Contact person
Pranita Chettri
079 899 55 80
pranita@booksforchange.org
As an Indian, I know how important education and the right to equality are. True to the motto "Be the change you wish for in this world" and my passion for reading led to the co-founding of BOOKS FOR CHANGE . With a lot of commitment, joy and motivation, I am committed to equality and the education of girls.