At Ek Artha Foundation, we believe education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. In collaboration with Building Education, we have taken a critical step toward uplifting the lives of the Chepang and Tamang communities of Manhari Rural Municipality-6, Makwanpur—two of Nepal’s most marginalized indigenous groups—by investing in the long-term development of Sagarmatha Lower Secondary School.
Established in 1985, Sagarmatha School currently educates over 240 students from remote villages such as Faribang, Polghari, Chure Danda, and beyond. Many of these students walk 2 to 3 hours each way to reach school, facing not only geographical hardship but also a fragile and unsafe learning environment. The school suffered extensive damage during the 2015 earthquake, leaving seven classrooms marked “red” by the government, indicating urgent need for reconstruction. These unsafe structures have posed serious risks to the students and staff, while also severely impacting school attendance, enrollment, and literacy progression.
Our Impact:
Through this project, our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and sustainable learning environment that directly contributes to:
- Reconstruction of seven earthquake-damaged classrooms
- Renovation of existing classrooms for safe, engaging learning
- Upgrading the school to secondary level (up to Grade 10)
- Increasing student enrollment and retention
- Reducing dropout rates, especially post-Grade 8
- Improving learning conditions for both students and teachers
- Boosting literacy rates in the Chepang and Tamang communities
Community-Led and Sustainable
What makes this initiative truly impactful is the active involvement of the local community. The School Management Committee (SMC), parents, and local leaders have pledged to contribute 30% of the construction materials and labor, showing a shared commitment to making this school a model institution in the ward. Their support includes in-kind donations such as wood, furniture, and construction labor, helping to strengthen local ownership and sustainability.
Beyond Infrastructure
Our focus extends beyond classrooms. The project also aims to:
- Improve sanitation and drinking water facilities
- Establish ICT classrooms, a library, and sports/play areas
- Provide mid-day meals to support nutrition and attendance
- Offer teacher training to improve pedagogy and student engagement
- Reduce socio-cultural challenges such as child marriage and early dropout by enabling continued education in a safe, accessible environment
Long-Term Vision
Once upgraded to a full-fledged secondary school, Sagarmatha School will qualify for the President’s Educational Improvement Program, unlocking further government funding and institutional support. This strategic investment will not only serve the children of today but will positively impact eight surrounding communities for generations to come.
Conclusion
This project is not just about rebuilding a school—it’s about rebuilding opportunity, dignity, and hope for the most marginalized children of Nepal. With the collective support of our partners and the community, Ek Artha Foundation is proud to lead this mission of transforming Sagarmatha School into a beacon of inclusive, quality, and future-ready education in Makwanpur.