Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Floods: Private Schools Announce Scholarship Fund of 100 Million NPR
Image source, Reuters
Five private school organizations in Nepal have announced a scholarship fund amounting to 100 million Nepalese Rupees to provide scholarships to 1,000 students affected by the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli floods, following government requests.
This represents one of the largest assistance efforts by the private sector for children affected by the floods.
The organizations stated that 200 students who have lost their parents in the floods will receive scholarships including free accommodation and meals.
Since the devastating floods on Bhadra 10 (August 26), many students remain out of contact, and thousands more have had their education disrupted.
On Monday, under the initiative of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Private and Boarding School Organization Nepal (PABSON), National Private and Boarding School Organization Nepal (NPABSON), Higher Education and Secondary School Federation (HISAN), Pre-School Education Nepal (EPN), and Montessori Association Nepal jointly announced this aid for flood-affected students.
How Will the Scholarship Fund Be Managed?
Yuvraj Sharma, Chairperson of HISAN, said, “We from the private educational institutions will provide full scholarships to at least 1,000 students aged between 5 and 18 years. Additionally, with the support of other organizations, we are preparing to offer immediate hostel facilities for 200 students who lost their parents in the floods.”
Krishna Prasad Adhikari, Chairperson of PABSON, added, “We will arrange for flood-affected students studying in around 6,000 private schools in Kathmandu to continue their education.”
“Depending on each school’s situation, we plan to assign responsibility for some students to individual schools, providing scholarships from pre-primary to grade 12, which could involve expenditures up to 100 million NPR,” Adhikari said. “A school with 300 students will at least arrange for to educate one student affected by the floods.”
“Additional assistance will be provided if necessary. PABSON has also pledged a separate contribution of 10 million NPR to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and will help rebuild some schools.”
The government will be responsible for selecting the students to receive scholarships.
Sharma explained, “Younger students will require support for many years, while those in grades 9-10 will receive assistance for 3-4 years. The government will select the students; we will provide the facilities.”
The Ministry has named this the ‘Ensured Future Scholarship Program.’
According to the Education Ministry Secretariat, “This program is designed to provide free education to flood-affected students through collaboration among federal, provincial, and local governments, organizations of private school operators, and governmental and non-governmental organizations.”
The plan covers students from early childhood development to grade 12.
Shailendra Jha, advisor to the Education Minister, said, “We were reviewing the overall scholarship system, and this disaster hastened the implementation of this plan. We have therefore initiated this effort in coordination with institutional schools.”
Coordination of Assistance
Image source, Reuters
Shailendra Jha said, “On the 13th day after the disaster, we are turning sorrow into opportunity and the country’s strength with this announcement. Implementation will be carried out in coordination with local levels and stakeholders.”
He added that they will consider the situations of children who lost parents or are from economically disadvantaged families and arrange suitable allowances for those who wish to study in local schools.
“A coordination team involving local authorities, education departments, schools, teachers, and stakeholders will be established to advance all these efforts in a unified manner.”
Although 100 million NPR has been announced, he said that if needed, additional funds may be raised through support from other partners.
Yuvraj Sharma of HISAN said, “Bringing students from Trishuli or Betrawati to Kathmandu for schooling will take considerable time. Some students may need psychological counseling, which the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare Council will undertake in respective roles. Education will commence after full coordination among all parties.”
“Government agencies will be responsible for setting guidelines, and we will provide support. Students who lost parents will be brought to child homes for basic accommodations and included in the educational system.”
The current plan includes full, partial, and residential scholarships, along with textbooks, uniforms, educational materials, accommodation, and meals.
On Monday, Education Minister Susmita Pokharel praised the social responsibility shown by private and institutional schools during the disaster period.
She stated, “Seeing helping hands appear in society gives a sense that the state is not alone. It sends a message that the state must stand strong and move forward during such times.”
Damage Caused to the Education Sector by the Floods
Shailendra Jha, advisor to the Education Minister, said that a comprehensive survey is still underway to assess the exact damage the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods caused to educational institutions.
He reported, “So far, 19 schools have been completely damaged and around 65 schools have suffered partial damage. We will finalize the detailed assessment shortly.”
The schools most affected are mainly in the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.
It is reported that 16 teachers and 217 students are still missing, while the studies of 9,742 students have been disrupted.
Education in flood-affected areas remains halted due to these challenges.
Shailendra Jha emphasized, “After a major disaster, it is crucial to prioritize the mental preparation of students before reintegrating them into education.”