Reconstructed school handed over

Kathmandu, December 4

US Ambassador to Nepal Randy W Berry handed over Gaurishankar Secondary School in Ramechhap today.

This school was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquakes and is the first of the 29 new, permanent schools that are being reconstructed with support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Berry said, “The United States is proud to partner with the government and people of Nepal to build back safer and stronger.  A healthy and educated country can overcome the hardships faced following the 2015 earthquake and enable Nepal to progress further along its path to self-reliance.”

In consultation with the Government of Nepal and other development partners, the US prioritised rebuilding public facilities — specially schools and health facilities  because education and health are critical to a resilient society and necessary to avoid development backsliding following the 2015 earthquakes, a press release issued by the embassy said.

Research shows that girls in developing countries may increase their wages later in life by up to 25 per cent with each additional year of secondary schooling.  In addition, education has a ripple effect that positively influences health outcomes for women and their families.

Likewise, access to quality health services is essential to ensure a healthy population that can contribute to the economic prosperity of Nepal.  To support Nepal’s health and education, USAID is currently working to reconstruct at total of 36 schools and health facilities in earthquake-affected regions, the release stated.

Since the 2015 earthquakes, USAID has invested more than $190 million in earthquake response and recovery.