Himalayan News Service

Madhyapur Thimi, March 28:

Some Japanese university students have recently donated Rs 46,777 for the construction of a school meant for mentally challenged students.The students have volunteered to construct the school building of Manav Bidhya Griha situated at Siddhikali Ward No 11 of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality.

According to president of school management committee Bishnu Bahadur Shrestha dozens of Japanese students had helped to construct the school building in 2000 and 2002 by organising a 15-day working camp.The students had assured their continued support for the construction work.

Three groups of students have already donated for the construction of school building.

A group under the leadership of Kohei Ono donated Rs 4,216 on March 2, 2004, while a three-member group of Saki Shimizu of Osaka University had given Rs 11,526 on March 15 and a 15-member group of Mashahiro and Sachi supported the school by donating Rs 48,975 on March 22.

Shrestha said the university students raised funds in Japan and had also collected money from their friends and relatives. Besides they also sold garbage and collected money to support the Nepali students.Sometimes they sold envelops and ceramics bought from Thimi to raise funds. Shrestha appreciating the Japanese students said they utilise their vacations in social work in Nepal.

He informed that there are 26 mentally challenged students in the school and the teachers serve 37 others who cannot reach the school on their own.

The teachers visit their residences, educate them and create awareness among their parents. These students hail from the municipality and surrounding village development committees such as Duwakot, Dadhikot, Balkot, Sirutar, Katunje, Gothatar and Mulpani of Kathmandu.Five students are already receiving training to make envelops. Four teachers are presenting working at the school which is funded by the government. The construction work at the two-storied building with five rooms is almost half complete.

Finishing work would be completed by the support given by these students.The school was established in 1988 with two rented rooms. Later on, the school received one ropani land from the government. The construction work began in 2000 with the support of school officials, local volunteers and the Japanese students.