Brick by Brick: Build A School in Nepal

A Model School for Rural Youth

According to the 2001 census, less than 50% of the population of Nepal can read. Nearly half of those who attend primary school ever finish the secondary level. Even among those who are fortunate enough to be enrolled in a school, the majority do not receive a quality education. This is especially true among rural children who have no access to private schools.

Jyotidaya School in Chapagaun, a village in the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, is an exception, serving many children from underprivileged families. It is Nepal’s only cooperative school. Currently, about 280 children attend from pre-school age to 10th grade. In the past four years, since it started taking national board examinations, 100% of Jyotidaya's students passed. In contrast, only about 60% of students passed the examination nationwide.

Jyotidaya's tuition fee is 40 to 50% lower than comparative private schools. In addition, 1 in 8 children, mostly orphans and those from poor families, study for free.

Because the school receives no government support and has run largely on the volunteer efforts of dedicated youth, it does not have adequate facilities. Classrooms are small. Its 280 children have no decent playground, science lab or library.

This proposal is to enhance the school's learning environment and expand services to reach nearly 500 children in the community. Our plan is to construct a model facility using green building practices and low cost, local materials such as adobe and bamboo.

With nearby forests and open land, Jyotidaya can demonstrate leadership in sustainable agriculture and forestry as well as preparation for productive lives and higher education. It can also promote positive youth development which contributes to the wellbeing of students' families.

We want Jyotiday School to be a national center for excellence which inspires other communities and schools throughout the country.